“Grass grows through concrete because it never gave up. Lessons grow through hardships because they never quit” - Matshona Dhliwayo

Understanding Trauma

Trauma impacts each person differently, shaping how we feel, think, and navigate the world around us. It can stem from overwhelming events that leave us feeling shaken or disconnected. Whether it's a major life event or a series of smaller, yet significant experiences, all forms of trauma deserve understanding and care.

We recognize that trauma comes in different forms—sometimes as big “T” trauma, such as life-changing events like accidents, loss, or abuse. Other times, it's little “t” trauma, stemming from moments like rejection, betrayal, or feeling unheard, which can quietly accumulate over time. Both types of trauma are valid, and their effects are deeply personal and impactful.

Healing is possible with the right support and tools. Through a compassionate and collaborative therapeutic relationship, you can begin to regain a sense of safety, reconnect with your inner strength, and take steps toward growth. I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate your journey, honoring every step along the way. Your story matters, and so does your healing.

  • Attachment trauma stems from disruptions or difficulties in early relationships, such as neglect, loss, or inconsistent caregiving, which can deeply affect emotional and relational patterns. It often manifests as challenges in trust, self-worth, and forming secure connections, impacting both past and present relationships.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leaving a lasting impact on emotional and mental well-being. It is often characterized by symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, heightened anxiety, and difficulty regulating emotions, which can interfere with daily life and relationships.

  • Complex PTSD (CPTSD) often arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, such as chronic abuse or neglect, typically experienced during formative years. It is characterized by symptoms like emotional dysregulation, difficulty trusting others, and a deeply ingrained sense of shame or guilt, which can significantly impact relationships and self-identity.

  • Religious trauma can result from harmful experiences within a faith community, such as spiritual abuse, rigid doctrines, or exclusion, leaving deep emotional scars. It often brings feelings of betrayal, as trust in spiritual leaders and the community is shattered. This can lead to a profound mistrust in oneself, as individuals struggle to reconcile their experiences with their beliefs. Additionally, rejection by friends and family who remain in the religious community compounds the pain, fostering a sense of isolation and abandonment. This trauma profoundly impacts self-identity, trust, and the ability to connect with others, creating significant challenges in healing and personal growth.

  • Political trauma arises from exposure to oppressive systems, violence, or instability, leaving individuals with lasting emotional and psychological scars. It can manifest as profound feelings of despair, uncertainty about the future, or a deep sense of helplessness. The divisive nature of political conflicts often fractures relationships, as differing opinions sow mistrust and alienation among friends and family. This trauma not only disrupts one's sense of safety and connection to the world but also erodes the bonds that provide stability and support, leaving individuals feeling isolated and adrift.

  • Phobias, within the frame of trauma therapy, are often rooted in past distressing experiences that create intense fear or avoidance of specific objects, situations, or activities. Trauma therapy can help uncover the underlying causes of these fears, providing tools and support to safely navigate and reduce their emotional impact, fostering resilience and empowerment.

  • Parenting trauma can arise from personal unresolved experiences, such as neglect or unmet needs, and may be compounded by the unique challenges of parenting children with special needs. Trauma therapy provides a compassionate space to process these experiences, offering tools to foster healing and develop nurturing, supportive relationships within the family.

  • Medical trauma can arise from distressing experiences related to medical care, such as invasive procedures, chronic illness, or hospitalization, leaving a lasting emotional and psychological impact. Symptoms of medical trauma may include heightened anxiety, flashbacks, avoidance of medical settings, difficulty trusting healthcare providers, and physical responses like increased heart rate or sweating when faced with medical reminders. Trauma therapy provides a safe space to process these experiences, fostering healing and a restored sense of safety in medical environments.

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But it wasn’t that bad…

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Sometimes, we hold cherished memories of childhood or past relationships and feel that the word “trauma” doesn’t quite align with our experiences. These positive memories can make the persistent negative emotions, thoughts, beliefs, or physical sensations we feel today seem confusing, leaving us asking, “Why am I like this?”

Our positive memories are absolutely real and valuable, fostering the positive beliefs that help us navigate life. Yet, alongside those cherished moments, we may have also experienced events that have shaped negative beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world. These contrasting beliefs can coexist, often creating inner conflict that feels confusing or overwhelming.

Healing involves gently exploring how these positive and negative beliefs were formed, understanding their impact, and learning to reshape the ones that no longer serve us. Through compassionate support and a safe therapeutic space, it’s possible to honor the positive while addressing the challenges, opening the door to growth and transformation.

Do you recognize any of these beliefs?

Beliefs about the self:

  • "I don’t deserve love."

  • "I am broken or damaged."

  • "I am not good enough."

  • "I am powerless.”

  • “I am weak.”

  • "I am a burden."

Beliefs about others:

  • "I can’t trust anyone."

  • "I’m just going to get hurt."

  • "No one understands me.”

The beliefs mentioned above are just a few examples of those we often carry unknowingly, despite their negative impact on our daily lives. Through the right tools and a strong, supportive therapeutic connection, you can rediscover your true self, strengthen your relationships, and embrace the joy found in everyday moments.

Let’s explore this journey together—you don’t have to face it alone.

Beliefs about the world:

  • "The world is bad and unsafe."

  • "Bad things will always happen to me."

  • "I have to be on guard all the time to protect myself."

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