My clients know that their success in healing from trauma depends upon a holistic collaboration between us- body, mind and spirit. My capacity to activate the healing resources that already live within you inspires your capacity for self-care and self-compassion.
The goal of our trauma treatment may be a stronger, more resilient you- free of trauma- with a heart open once again to the bounty of life. Here are 5 ways you can give yourself this gift of life:
- Are you exhausted from managing your trauma and your body depleted? Give yourself a healthy amount of sleep, nutrition and hydration. Avoid recreational substances that will adversely affect your vulnerable brain. I may work with your healthcare providers to strengthen body systems that may have been weakened by the stress of trauma. My experience has been that trauma therapy combined with self-care minimizes or precludes the need for medication and strongly supports physical/emotional wellbeing. (Might the above be bold type) And/or bold the first line of each numeric section? You’re better at making this persuasive and adding key words)
- Is your nervous system continually in an activated, hypervigilant state? Moving your body will calm and down-regulate you by helping to release the stuck energy of anxiety and depression, anger and sadness. The more you are out of your head and connected to your body, the better. Walking, especially in nature, and light exercise/stretching on the floor are ͞grounding͟. We feel safe when our bodies experience solid ground beneath us, just like our primate ancestors did. Movement is frequently an aspect of trauma therapy. We can access the wisdom of your body to guide us in how release and transformation is ready to happen.
- Are you needing more safety, soothing and support that usual? That’s normal, because you are feeling vulnerable in a world that seems frightening right now. Your bodily experienced trauma has generalized to a lack of trust to many situations. Choose relationships, activities and places that feel supportive and accepting. Find balance between maintaining interests you enjoy and honoring your need for simplicity and rest. Deep and complete trust with your therapist attuned to your needs is essential to your trauma treatment success.
- Is your inner experience full of shame, blame or obsession? Mindfulness practice, yoga and breathing exercises relax you by signaling to your body that you are safe in the