Your Pathway to Healing and Hope

Whether caused by a sudden shock or a slow accumulation, the effects of trauma can ripple throughout your life, leaving you walking a path clouded by pain, fear, and uncertainty.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we understand the profound and personal nature of these experiences. Our team is here to offer you a compassionate embrace, guiding you gently through the complex emotions and challenges you face as a result of trauma.

With us, you’re not alone in navigating this journey; we’re committed to helping you find your way back to hope and healing, one step at a time.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is the emotional, physical, or psychological response to an experience that overwhelms our ability to cope. It can be a direct result of one event, or a series of distressing events that cause fear, helplessness, or horror. Naturally this can shake the foundation of an individual’s life, impacting their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Trauma can be either acute (the result of a single event), or complex (the result of a series of events over time). What may be traumatic for one person may not be for another, and vice versa. What’s important for healing however, is the ability to integrate the experience in a healthy way so that symptoms are minimized and you’re able to move forward with resilience.

Common Causes of Trauma

Trauma can be caused by a variety of events or circumstances. While each individual’s experience and threshold for trauma is unique.

Here are some common causes of trauma:

  • Physical, Emotional, or Sexual Abuse
  • Exposure to Violence
  • Loss of a Loved One
  • Divorce or Breakup
  • Medical Trauma
  • Childhood Neglect
  • Bullying or Harassment
  • Natural Disasters
  • Accidents

Understanding the Many Types of Trauma

Trauma is not a one-size-fits-all experience; it comes in various forms, each with its unique challenges and impacts.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we recognize and address the wide spectrum of trauma that individuals may encounter.

  • Acute Trauma: This can result from a single, distressing event. It could be a car accident, natural disaster, or assault. The shock of the event can lead to confusion and anxiety, which may decrease over time for some, while others may develop ongoing symptoms.

  • Chronic Trauma: Chronic trauma occurs when an individual is repeatedly exposed to a traumatic event. This can be neglect, abuse, violence, or prolonged stress. Often the individual may feel trapped or helpless, which can lead to complex emotional conditions including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.

  • Cumulative Trauma: Cumulative trauma, or complex trauma refers to the impact of multiple traumatic events over time, which can lead to a complex tapestry of emotional responses, often deeper and more intricate than those resulting from a single traumatic event. It can undermine an individual’s sense of safety, self-worth, and ability to trust others. As a result, complex trauma can lead to symptoms like dissociation, difficulty with emotional regulation, and trouble trusting others or maintaining healthy relationships.

  • Developmental and Childhood Trauma: Traumatic experiences during childhood, including neglect or abuse, can have lasting effects on emotional and psychological well-being, influencing behavior and relationships in adulthood. This can significantly impact the brain’s development and may cause issues with emotional regulation, healthy attachment, and cognitive functioning.

  • Secondary Trauma: Sometimes, the trauma isn’t directly experienced but witnessed or learned about, which can lead to vicarious traumatization. This is particularly prevalent in professionals who work with trauma victims, such as first responders, law enforcement officers, social workers or therapists. Vicarious trauma can lead to emotional exhaustion, empathy fatigue, and hopelessness.

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD can develop after experiencing a life-threatening or deeply traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or emotional numbness which may cause iIndividuals to avoid certain memories, places, or triggers as a means of coping. However with proper treatment, individuals with PTSD can manage symptoms and work toward long-term healing.

Symptoms of Trauma

Trauma is not just an emotional experience; Its ripples affect every facet of our being—mind, body, and spirit.

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we recognize the multifaceted nature of these experiences and the various ways they can manifest in your life.

  • Emotional and Psychological Effects

    : Trauma can lead to a wide range of emotional responses, including sadness, anger, guilt, or numbness. It may also result in anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The psychological impact can alter your perception of the world, affecting trust, self-esteem, and your sense of security.

  • Physical Health: The stress of trauma can have tangible effects on physical health. Symptoms may include sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath and increased heart rate, or somatic complaints such as headaches or stomachaches. In the long term, chronic stress can contribute to more serious health issues like heart disease or weakened immune function.
  • Cognitive Symptoms: Both acute and complex trauma can disrupt normal cognitive processes. This might result in difficulty concentrating, trouble processing information, or struggling to make decisions. It might be hard to remember things like names, details, or even basic tasks as a result of trauma.
  • Behavioral Changes: Trauma can often lead to changes in behavior. This might include withdrawal from social interactions, avoidance of certain places or people, difficulty trusting others, substance abuse, or other coping mechanisms that can be harmful if left unchecked.
  • Impact on Relationships: Trauma can change how you interact with others. You might find yourself feeling disconnected from loved ones, developing codependency or over-dependence, struggling with intimacy, or finding it difficult to express your emotions in healthy ways.
  • Spiritual and Existential Reckoning: For many, trauma can prompt deep spiritual or existential questioning. You might grapple with questions about the meaning of life, your beliefs, or your place in the world.

Therapies We Use to Treat Trauma

Trauma is intensely personal, so while there’s no one best approach to healing, various therapeutic modalities may help.

IPT helps trauma survivors by examining how relationships influence their distress and addressing role transitions, grief, and interpersonal conflicts. It improves communication and emotional regulation, fostering healthier connections and reducing isolation. By reframing relational experiences rather than focusing on trauma memories, IPT helps individuals process loss and regain a sense of safety and control. Learn more.

Trauma can cause a wide range of intense emotions. For some individuals, these emotions can be difficult to manage. DBT gives you the tools to better manage and navigate intense emotions, especially those that may arise as a result of a traumatic experience. Learn more.

Creative Arts Therapy offers a unique avenue for expression and exploration. It allows for the externalization of emotions and experiences that may be difficult to articulate, providing a powerful medium for healing and self-discovery. Learn more.

CBT is widely used to treat trauma by focusing on identifying, then challenging the negative thought patterns associated with a traumatic experience. From feelings of hopelessness, and numbness, to guilt and anger, CBT can help you shift thoughts and behaviors to healthier alternatives that promote healing. Learn more.

Narrative therapy can help individuals make sense of their trauma and re-write their story. By reframing the traumatic event and integrating it into your broader life story, you can reclaim a sense of agency and control over your life.

Mindfulness practices can help individuals cope with emotional pain by encouraging you to stay present with your feelings, rather than suppress them. This can help reduce stress and anxiety that often accompany trauma, and encourage you to remain present with memories and emotions without judgement.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (often through eye movements) to help individuals process and then integrate traumatic experiences. By recalling the traumatic event or events in a safe environment, EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity of memories.

Somatic therapy focuses on the body’s response to trauma. Through mindfulness techniques and body awareness exercises, somatic experiencing can help release trauma that may be stored in your body and regulate your nervous system for a greater sense of safety.

Our Approach to Healing Trauma

We approach healing trauma with a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Recognizing that each person’s experience is unique, our therapy is tailored to meet you where you are in your journey of recovery.

  • Holistic and Individualized Care: We believe in a holistic approach to healing, one that addresses not just the emotional, but also the physical, mental, and spiritual impacts of trauma. Our therapy plans are individualized, taking into account your personal experiences, strengths, and needs.
  • Building Resilience and Coping Skills: Our goal is not only to alleviate the immediate symptoms of trauma, but to empower you with coping skills and resilience for the future. We focus on developing strategies to manage stress, enhance emotional regulation, and rebuild a sense of control and hope.
  • Supportive and Empathetic Environment: The therapeutic relationship is a cornerstone of our approach. We provide a safe, empathetic environment where you can share your experiences without judgment. This supportive setting is crucial for fostering trust and enabling deep healing at a pace you’re comfortable with.

Navigating the Path Together 

At Marsh Psychotherapy, we’re dedicated to walking with you on your path to healing from trauma. Our therapists are here to provide support, understanding, and the therapeutic tools necessary to help you heal and regain a sense of balance and peace in your life.

If you’re ready to take your first step toward healing, reach out to schedule a consultation.

What People Are Saying

“I left every session experiencing personal growth and  positive change.”

Take the First Step

If you’re struggling with the effects of trauma, remember that you’re not alone, and help is available. Reach out to us to start your journey towards healing and empowerment.