Therapy Exercises - New Hope Counseling

My therapy practice specializes in seeing clients who have experienced trauma. This could be a one time event, a series of events, or a repeated enduring time that was disturbing, destructive, or threatening. Examples of these types of events may be:

+ Experience of Natural Disaster
+ Sexual Abuse or Rape
+ Domestic Violence
+ Illness or Injury
+ Witnessing the death of a loved one or friend

All people respond to trauma differently. Many people who have suffered trauma may have feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, shame, anger, and grief. Sometimes the trauma can lead to long term issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug use, depression, or anxiety. An individual might become numb to the trauma, or even deny that it occurred. Conversely, they might become very emotionally reactive to triggers that remind them of it. They might have sleep issues, breathing issues, or even stomach issues. A person who has developed any of these long term symptoms should reach out for help by a counselor or therapist.

Why is trauma related to substance use? It is well established that one in four individuals with trauma will develop a substance use issue. It is suggested that many who use substances do so to escape the pain in thier lives and to numb the pain of trauma. It is often more successful for an individual who has started on thier relapse prevention program and sobriety to begin addressing their trauma, since that is often a trigger for relapse.

I want you to know that you are not alone. I have worked with many people who have learned to cope with these issues. I am a trauma trained professional and use EMDR, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.

“EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.”
~ The EMDR Institute

If you or someone you know is coping with trauma, please call 502-712-9604 for help to get back on track.

Many clients ask me for tools to begin helping to decrease their anxiety and depression. Research shows that one thing you can do is slow down and appreciate one thing at a time. Our rush to do many things at once keeps us from appreciating and savoring each aspect of our lives.

Try doing one activity and focus on only that activity. For example, slowing down to fully appreciate a meal. Savor each bite and appreciate the aroma, fullness and warmth from the food, creates happiness. We miss this everyday in our busy rush of checking cell phones, going to meetings, and heading out the door. Doing this can give you time, not only to slow the rush of life but to allow you to increase the moments of happiness and appreciation during your day. This may seem small but adds up to have an effect.

Take the time to choose at least one or two things each day to slow down to be completed with no distractions, such as talking to your partner or friend, watching television, reading, taking a bath, etc. Truly take the time to appreciate the moment and savor it without judgment. Don’t get disappointed if it does not go your way. Life is full of ups and downs, you will have another chance. You will begin to see changes in your mood.

I think I might just go savor a hot cup of tea.

For more information, you can contact New Hope Counseling by calling 502-712-9406.

T is for Trauma, H is for Healing

Decreasing Anxiety and Depression

Stay In Touch