Trauma Therapy
In Person Therapy in Royersford and Virtually Across Pennsylvania
Individual | Family | Couples
Understanding Trauma: A Guide to Healing
If you or someone you care about has experienced something big, overwhelming even, you know that it can have lasting effects. Trauma can arise from both big and small experiences, leaving a lasting impact. Sometimes we brush off the after affects or learn to live with them. Avoidance of the “thing” that happened can feel like an all too helpful way to cope- pushing everything down when it comes to the surface.
When we experience something overwhelming and out of our control, it doesn't simply dissipate; it can resurface in our daily lives, triggered by unexpected cues.
Causes of Trauma
We can be affected by directly experiencing, witnessing, and even just hearing about something intense happening. It can happen when someone tells us something that feels like too much. It can also occur when we actually live through an event or situation that was too hard to process.
You might have experienced trauma if you went through a single incident, but trauma can also accumulate in our relationships over time. We sometimes experience repeated hardships that seem like a “normal” part of our lives but are actually leaving lasting effects inside of us.
Signs and Symptoms
Understanding PTSD
You might have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but not fully understood what qualifies as someone having it. PTSD develops in some people who have experienced a scary, dangerous, or overwhelming event. It can also occur over time if you've experienced repeated trauma in your life or relationships. The body’s normal fear or “fight-or-flight” response continues to become activated with PTSD. This can manifest in big or little ways. Check in to see if you have experienced any of the following:
Re-experiencing: Feeling like you're reliving the traumatic event (flashbacks, nightmares, physical sensations).
Memory Issues: Difficulty remembering details of the event.
Avoidance: Avoiding situations that trigger memories of the trauma.
Sleep Issues: Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Triggers: Experiencing things that trigger traumatic memories.
Negative Thoughts and Feelings: Experiencing negative emotions and thoughts about yourself or the world.
Social Isolation: Feeling disconnected or isolated from others.
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the traumatic event.
Avoidance of situations similar to the traumatic event
Intense emotions triggered by reminders of the event.
Negative thoughts and feelings about yourself or the world.
Feel Comfortable in your own skin again
Trauma has a way of making people feel stuck, trapped even. At Empowering Change, you have a voice and support on your journey to process the past. Our goal is to empower you and create stability in areas where avoidance may have previously prevailed. We know how delicate trauma can be, so we make sure our therapists are trained and ready to navigate the hard stuff with you.
Some people find comfort in knowing that trauma therapy doesn't require reliving or discussing every detail of the traumatic event. Our therapists utilize evidence-based techniques that help you process trauma without having to revisit the entire narrative. Through trauma therapy, you'll gain valuable support and tools to help you cope.
If you’ve experienced something that wasn’t okay, trauma therapy can make a significant difference in your life. Let's work together to transform the way the past holds onto you. Reaching out for help means getting back to feeling like yourself and living a more fulfilled life. We'd be honored to support you as you work to heal from trauma.
Reach Out
wHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM Trauma tHERAPY
The therapy process will be an investment in yourself and your relationships. Some things you might gain include:
A clearer path forward
Strategies for managing trauma-related symptoms
Feeling like yourself again
Processing & alleviating stuck emotions that were previously triggered
Improved connection and relationships
Relief from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
We can help you feel like yourself again.
How does it work?
We offer free consults by phone or video to see if your therapist is a good fit. Jump right into a 50-minute intake session if you’re ready to go. Your therapist will email you a questionnaire to fill out.
The first few sessions are all about building trust through learning about your past, present, and where you want your future to go. Your therapist will take the time to understand you and what you’ve been through.
Once you feel comfortable, you’ll make a plan for therapy. This includes your therapist’s role and what you can do at home to start feeling better.
Maybe You’re surviving and Considering Therapy, But You’re Just Not Sure…
Is my trauma too big or too small?
Trauma can occur and disrupt our nervous system, regardless of its size. We've found that our clients benefit from therapy, even when their experiences vary greatly. If we feel that your needs require a different type of treatment, we'll help you connect with someone who can help.
What if I’m not comfortable revisitng the past?
Our therapists are trained to help you heal from the past without requiring you to delve into every detail. While you may become more comfortable discussing the past over time, our therapists are skilled in somatic and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) techniques that can facilitate healing without reliving the entire narrative.
I’m concerned about the financial and time investment required for therapy.
Balancing life's demands can be overwhelming. It's understandable to worry about adding therapy to the mix. However, investing in your emotional health can lead to increased comfort and reduced stress. Our therapists will work with you to create a personalized plan that fits your needs and will check in regularly to ensure you're still benefiting from the therapy.