Exploring the Weight of Trauma

Life’s journey often leads us down paths filled with challenges and obstacles that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of where to turn for support. Whether you’ve experienced a traumatic event or are grappling with the lingering effects of past wounds, it’s essential to recognize that healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Amy Robbins Counseling, we’re here to help you confront the hurdles standing in the way of your happiness and reclaim control over your life.

Understanding Trauma

Trauma encompasses a broad spectrum of emotions, reactions, and thoughts that linger long after a distressing event has occurred. It can stem from various sources, including abusive relationships, family conflicts, or traumatic experiences. Each person’s experience of trauma is unique, and the effects can manifest differently from one individual to another. Some common signs that you may be experiencing trauma include:

  • Feeling shocked or disbelief about the event
  • Difficulty concentrating and staying present
  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks
  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
  • Emotional numbness or detachment
  • Withdrawal from social interactions

Are you struggling with the effects of trauma in the Atlanta area? Amy Robbins Counseling offers specialized trauma therapy services designed to help you heal and move forward with your life. Our experienced therapists are trained in evidence-based treatments such as EMDR to provide effective support for trauma recovery.

How Trauma Therapy Can Help

Trauma counseling offers a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their experiences, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies for moving forward. Our therapists work collaboratively with you to tailor treatment to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the personalized support and care you deserve. Through counseling, you’ll gain insight into your trauma, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and cultivate resilience as you work towards healing and recovery.

How EMDR Can Help

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since gained recognition as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

The central premise of EMDR is that traumatic experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, leading to symptoms of distress and dysfunction. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the client through a series of standardized procedures that involve recalling distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps, or sounds.

The bilateral stimulation is believed to facilitate the brain’s natural processing of traumatic memories, allowing them to be reprocessed and integrated into the client’s existing memory network in a more adaptive way. This can result in a reduction of the emotional charge associated with the traumatic memory and a decrease in distressing symptoms.

EMDR consists of eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. Throughout these phases, the therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify target memories, develop coping skills, and process the associated emotions and beliefs.

EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions. It is considered a promising approach for individuals who have experienced single or multiple traumatic events and are seeking relief from associated symptoms.

Walking Alongside You on Your Healing Journey

At Amy Robbins Counseling, we’re committed to supporting you every step of the way on your healing journey. Our trauma therapy services are grounded in evidence-based practices and delivered with compassion and empathy. Whether you’re struggling to overcome past traumas or facing the challenges of the present, we’re here to provide you with the tools, resources, and guidance you need to reclaim your life and find peace. Contact us today to learn more about our trauma therapy services in the Atlanta area and take the first step towards healing.

Come meet our wonderful team, trained extensively in trauma therapy. We’re here to help you feel better and supported on your journey.

Meet:

Amy Robbins, LPC

Margaret Fitzpatrick, LCSW