Trauma Counseling
Relieving Distress
When a person is very upset or undergoes a traumatic experience, it is as though that experience or sequence of events becomes \”frozen in time\” in their memories and emotions. Such frozen memories can then interfere with the way a person experiences the world and relate to others. I help clients to deal with such memories of past traumas and disturbing materials with less upset. They are thus empowered to deal with present situations and relationships from a perspective of greater freedom.
The primary tool I use in dealing with trauma and the emotional disturbances related to traumatic events is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR therapy is a powerful psychotherapy approach that has helped many people with many types of psychological issues. A number of studies have found that EMDR can decrease symptoms of post-traumatic stress. It is also effective in reducing symptoms associated with other conditions such as anxiety. I also have experience working with the Victim Compensation Board, a program of the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice.
Uses of EMDR
I have used EMDR effectively in treatment of the following conditions:
- Panic attacks and anxiety;
- Disturbing memories;
- Phobias
- Performance anxiety
- Stress reduction;
- Sexual and/or physical abuse.