Trauma Therapy


WHat struggling with trauma is like…

If you're experiencing sleeplessness and a persistent sense of burden from past events, it's possible that trauma is the cause. Perhaps you've been a victim of abuse in past relationships and now struggle with trust issues, constantly questioning whether your partner is on your side. Alternatively, you may feel powerless and undeserving, as if your career and life goals are out of your control and you're merely drifting through life without direction.

The effects of trauma can be far-reaching, causing feelings of tension and low self-worth. Even memories that you've tried to suppress may resurface unexpectedly, making it difficult to feel safe. This can even affect your ability to accurately judge others' intentions, as past experiences may have taught you that the worst can happen even when you assume the best.

Trauma can have a lasting impact, making it feel as though your past experiences are always with you, lurking in the background and ready to sabotage any progress you make towards a better future. Despite this, there is hope. Trauma therapy can serve as a bridge towards the future you desire, helping you confront past trauma and find joy in life once again.

Questioning if you've experienced trauma?

Navigating the aftermath of a traumatic experience can be incredibly challenging, regardless of whether it's a big, isolated event or the result of complex trauma. A big trauma typically refers to a single, powerful incident, such as witnessing a war, surviving a natural disaster, experiencing a car crash, coping with the loss of a loved one, or enduring a traumatic assault like rape.

On the other hand, complex trauma involves the accumulation of distressing events within the context of family or other intimate relationships, persisting over an extended period. This includes issues like family dysfunction, neglect, abandonment, child abuse, attachment difficulties, domestic violence, or prolonged work-related stress. Identifying complex trauma can be more intricate, but both types of trauma can have similar profound effects on your well-being.

It's important to note that seeking therapy is a common and essential step for individuals grappling with the aftermath of trauma. Whether you've been impacted by a single traumatic event or enduring stressors over time, therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widely recognized as an effective means of support and healing.

You are not the only one…

A survey by the World Health Organization found that 70% of individuals will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, regardless of their gender, economic background, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation (although women and minorities may be at a higher risk due to societal vulnerabilities).

Dealing with trauma can be challenging because it can cause us to lose control in our lives. Admitting to a momentary powerlessness can make us feel weak or like something is wrong with us, even when the traumatic experience was out of our control. Unlike other negative experiences that we can shake off, trauma can embed itself deeply into our psyche and lead to complications such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and various mental and physical health issues that require professional treatment.

When we lack the right tools to access our innermost selves, we can't release the painful experiences that come with trauma. This inability to connect with our pain can be exacerbated by a culture that prioritizes external success over sound emotional health. We have been conditioned to prioritize achievement over our emotions, making it difficult to connect with our pain. As young people, many of us may have lacked a positive role model to show us how to deal with painful experiences in a healthy way, further complicating the issue.

Additionally, some people may avoid seeking therapy for trauma out of fear of being stigmatized or labeled as "broken." However, it's important to remember that seeking help for trauma doesn't mean that you're broken; it simply means that you're a person who has experienced tough experiences in life and needs healing. A trauma therapist can help you work through your experiences so that you can move forward without the weight of the past holding you back.

The benefits of Trauma therapy

Trauma therapy offers a profound opportunity for healing and recovery, helping individuals regain control over their lives after experiencing distressing events. I provide a safe and supportive space for individuals who may be feeling feeling isolated and overwhelmed, after experiencing trauma. Therapy offers a confidential and nonjudgmental environment where clients can freely express their emotions and experiences. A therapeutic alliance with me can foster trust and allows you to explore your trauma at your own pace.

Moreover, trauma therapy equips individuals with essential coping strategies. It helps them understand how past traumas have impacted their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to develop healthier responses to triggers and stressors. Clients learn to recognize and challenge negative thought patterns, replacing them with more adaptive beliefs. Through various evidence-based techniques, individuals can process and integrate their traumatic experiences, ultimately reducing the emotional and psychological impact of trauma.

Perhaps one of the most significant benefits of trauma therapy is the potential for post-traumatic growth. It's not just about managing symptoms but also about discovering newfound resilience and strength. As individuals work through their trauma, they often emerge with a deeper understanding of themselves, increased self-compassion, and an enhanced capacity for forming healthier relationships. Trauma therapy can be a transformative journey towards reclaiming one's life and finding hope, even in the aftermath of adversity.

How Does Trauma Therapy Work?

In our therapy sessions, you have the freedom to express yourself openly and authentically, knowing that judgment has no place here. I am dedicated to providing a safe and accepting space where your gender, cultural background, and spiritual orientation are honored and respected. My practice places a strong emphasis on creating a culturally sensitive environment and being fully inclusive and LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Beyond the welcoming atmosphere, I offer effective tools to help alleviate the symptoms of PTSD. Together, we can explore and integrate new coping skills and mindfulness techniques into your life. These positive strategies empower you to better manage and respond to stress in a healthier manner. My body-centered approach uniquely supports your journey by enabling you to attune to your body's signals, helping you differentiate between genuine threats and past trauma responses.

With time and dedicated effort, as your anxiety subsides, you'll find yourself growing in confidence, knowing that you have the resilience to navigate life's challenges. This newfound strength will enable you to confront stress and lead a life imbued with greater peace and freedom.

I am currently accepting new clients. If you are interested in working together you can go ahead and schedule your free consultation now.

Need more information? Contact me here, email me at andreaemersonlac@gmail.com or Call 602-633-5712.

Virtual and in person appointments available.

Appointment only location:

18789 N. Reems Road Suite 260

Surprise, AZ 85374


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