The ECG Blog
What is Trauma?
I often have clients start therapy by telling me they had idyllic childhoods, wonderful parents, and no traumatic experiences.
And yet, they experience panic attacks, ruminating thoughts, insomnia, or low self esteem.
How do these people with such lovely lives, develop such limiting, frustrating, even devastating or debilitating symptoms?
The answer? Unresolved and unprocessed experiences, aka “trauma”.
Now, many may balk at that statement! Perhaps you too feel you’ve had a trauma-free life, and yet experience some of the symptoms listed above. You view yourself as strong and capable, not as a victim with trauma.
Stick with me here!
I'm not here to convince you that you are a victim, or that you have some horrific event in your childhood which you’ve suppressed. Nor am I here to ruin your view of your childhood and say you had terrible parents!
I am here to challenge you to look deeper than the surface. To begin to understand the root cause of these symptoms. To validate the significance of the small and often neglected experiences that could be the source of your current struggles.
“Trauma is an invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.”
― Gabor Maté
Now Offering EMDR Therapy On James Island, South Carolina!
You may have first heard of EMDR through Whitney Rose (RHOSLC) when she spoke recently of her experience with it in therapy, or soccer superstar David Beckham using EMDR to treat fear and anxiety. EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is finally entering the zeitgeist as a profoundly healing therapy modality used to treat anything from insomnia to combat trauma, and everything in between.
So, What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Disensitation & Reprossessiong (EMDR) is a therapy technique used to preprocess unresolved or unprocessed negative experiences. This reprocessing is different than typical talk therapy, as it’s paired with bi-lateral stimulation through eye movement.
Does It Actually Work?
The jury is in. EMDR is one of the most effective forms of treatment for trauma. One study showed it was not only more effective than Prozac, but once treatment was complete, clients continued to be asymptomatic, unlike those who’d taken Prozac!
Why Millennial Woman in Charleston Are Starting Therapy
In the picturesque city of Charleston, South Carolina, a growing number of millennial women are recognizing the importance of mental health and seeking therapy as a valuable tool for personal growth and well-being. From the cobblestone streets of historic downtown to the vibrant communities along the coastline, the reasons for this trend are as diverse as the city itself.
The Biggest Myths About Psychodynamic Therapy
Holistic psychodynamic counseling is a therapeutic approach that delves deep into the intricacies of the human mind and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of an individual's emotional and psychological well-being. While this method has gained popularity for its effectiveness, it is not immune to misconceptions and myths. In this article, we'll debunk the five biggest myths of holistic psychodynamic counseling.
1. It's Only About Uncovering Childhood Trauma: One common myth is that psychodynamic counseling focuses solely on uncovering unresolved childhood issues. While this aspect is certainly a part of the process, psychodynamic counseling goes beyond childhood trauma. It aims to explore current patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving, recognizing that our past experiences can influence our present actions.
How To Get More Out Of Therapy, And More Bang For Your Buck
Therapy is a courageous endeavor and takes a lot of time, commitment, energy, and money! Get the most out of therapy by following these suggestions.
In The Therapy Room: 1) Don’t keep things to yourself. 2) Show your emotions. 3) Don’t expect your therapist to tell you what to do. 4) Have a topic ready. 5) Don’t focus on symptoms.
Outside The Therapy Room: continue reading…