My intention is to provide you with some information on trauma and how to manage and heal and live with your experiences. While it’s a big subject I’m sharing some information so even if you do not feel you have had traumatic experiences, you will have some basic tools for life management.
Like many of you, I too have experienced trauma. My life has had many joyful moments, but it has also had very difficult and painful experiences as well. I have experienced emotionally traumatizing experiences in my own life and also through the experiences of many of my clients. As a therapist sometimes it has been as a witness to the pain and suffering one has had and may continue to endure.
(Note: some of this information has been extracted from Paul Conti’s new book, Trauma, the invisible epidemic. Link below)
When I am doing an initial assessment for my clients, shame is often present. We blame ourselves and shame disconnects us from the people in our lives. This shame and pain can show up as anger. Supporting those who suffer from trauma and shame need our support and our compassion and thus can help diffuse the anger and the shame. Some might say this shame is fear around suffering. So ask yourself, are you afraid to suffer? None of us wants to feel pain, but avoiding pain creates all kinds of other suffering, such as addictions. Shame keeps us in the cycle.
Starting with self-compassion is critical and there is lots of really good research in this area. Having gratitude for even just being here. Gratitude for who is in our lives. Building a community of support. That is why AA has been around for so long. They knew the importance of community when you suffer from shame and loss.
So how do we address this?
No one escapes pain, it is part of the human story. We have heartbreak, grief, loss, and pain. If we do not deal with our pain our trauma will negatively impact our life today and our life tomorrow. These painful experiences do not define us,
but in order to heal we have to feel. You want to learn, you want to grow and then you want to serve.
This can be tough work, and finding the right someone who can support you on this journey of healing is important.
Take your pain and make it your medicine.
As a certified trauma therapist I’m available to help you and your family through any trauma or stress you may be dealing with. Please reach out if you want support. (or you could book an appointment below)
Here are some links to good books that might provide you some support and insight.
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a Registered Social Worker providing support and therapy to individuals, families, professionals, workplaces, and organizations. I’ve worn many hats over my 20 years of experience and leadership in the field of mental health.
I’ve served as mother, coach, therapist, clinical supervisor, manager, and team leader supporting clinicians, social workers, educators, workplaces, unions, and paraprofessionals on mental health and complex cases.
My approach is tailored to the individual, while providing treatment with empirical, evidence-based therapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I have worked primarily with professionals in education, medical, and community mental health settings. Highlights:
Many ways to reach us:
Phone: 1.250.878.1634
Email: info@empoweredlives.ca
223 16 Ave N, Creston, BC V0B 1G0
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