Traumatic events are extraordinary, not because they occur rarely, but rather because they overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life.
– Judith Herman
Trauma is experienced in the mind and body and creates a lasting impact on how we see ourselves, others and the world we live in. Trauma can take many forms including:
- Sexual abuse
- Childhood abuse
- Neglect
- Medical trauma
- Interpersonal trauma
- Attachment trauma
- Community trauma, COVID-19
- Racism, homophobia, sexism, marginalization
- Witnessing violence
- Loss/death of loved ones
How therapy can help
A trusting, therapeutic relationship can create an opportunity for an individual to process their traumatic events, alleviate distressing psychological symptoms, build resilience, strengthen one’s sense of self, and develop skills to better cope and manage the intense feelings and fears that accompany trauma.
Traumatic events are extraordinary, not because they occur rarely, but rather because they overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life.
– Bruce D. Perry
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
A genuine therapeutic relationship creates an opportunity to process traumatic events, safely experience emotions, alleviate distressing psychological symptoms, build resilience, gain perspective, strengthen one’s sense of self, and develop skills to better cope and manage the intense feelings and fears that accompany trauma.
Why us?
Our therapists are committed to building a genuine and sincere connection with our clients and believe therapeutic work can only be done in the context of a safe therapeutic alliance. Alexandria Place Therapy is made up of clinicians with diverse clinical backgrounds and expertise including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Tension & Trauma Release Exercises (or TRE®), and Trauma Sensitive Yoga. We have wisdom and expertise developed over years of working with adults, children, and families who have experienced trauma.
In children, the process of addressing trauma requires a safe, compassionate and developmentally conducive environment to explore and process their experience. Our clinicians take great care to create a space that supports self-exploration and expression, with attention to helping identify emotions and building resilience. Play therapy is a critical component of creating an opportunity for children to process and move through their trauma(s) in their natural language. You can learn more here about why play therapy is indicated for children who have experienced trauma.
