Trauma Therapy in New York City
Trauma: an overview
Trauma is a response to a situation that overwhelms our nervous system and alters the way we process and recall memories. A person experiences or witnesses harmful, potentially life-threatening (to self or other) events. A traumatic event can be a one-time occurrence or happen repeatedly over time. It is a highly individualized and subjective experience – the same situation that causes a trauma response in one person may not in someone else.
Bessel van der Kolk states that: “Trauma is not the story of something that happened back then. It’s the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” In other words, trauma keeps us stuck and paralyzed in an unsafe, fearful state. Our lives and relationships can begin to feel dangerous as a result.
The importance of trauma treatment
Because trauma overwhelms our nervous system, it’s critical to receive help and support in order to heal.
Treating trauma involves taking a look inside, which is often the last thing that someone experiencing a trauma response or PTSD wants to do. As Gabor Mate reminds us: “Trauma is what happens inside you, as a result of what happens to you.” In therapy you, and your therapist explore slowly and safely, at a pace that is manageable yet challenging. A trauma informed therapist takes care not to re-traumatize or trigger a client. Collaboration is also key, supporting clients as the expert on themselves, harnessing clients’ agency, and leading with mutual curiosity.
It’s important to note that therapy for trauma is about more than telling your story (although that’s crucial too). It’s about giving you a different, healing experience of it – one with a trusted other, in the presence of safety, and with the ability to see oneself in this current moment rather than stuck in a dangerous past. When you work with a trained trauma therapist, you can support your nervous system in slowly integrating an experience – or experiences – that previously felt shattered. You can find the safety and trust to come back to your Self.
Trauma Symptoms
Trauma manifests through various symptoms:
- Hyper-vigilance
- Intrusive Thoughts
- Sleep Disturbances
- Mood issues
- Sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Physical Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble remembering key parts traumatic event
- Irritability and anger
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
Therapy for Trauma
It’s our honor and privilege to accompany you on your path
Emotion-Focused Therapy
Experiential Therapy
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Trauma Therapy in NYC
At Sōhum, our therapists are trained in experiential, somatic approaches to treat trauma. That means we use your body in session as a source of information and gateway to healing. Our bodies and nervous systems often stay trapped in a terrifying past when traumatized. Therapy can help you regain presence, safety and your sense of self.
Reach out to our skilled clinicians who are trained in trauma therapy and begin your healing journey.
