Many people experience trauma in their lives, and strong reactions to trauma can result in post-traumatic reactions (such as PTSD). Trauma can stem from witnessing atrocities, such as war, and also from exposure to sexual abuse, brutality, or physical or emotional abuse in family settings and other relationships. Trauma is not only the result of what happened to us, but also of how we make sense of what happened to us and the subsequent negative emotions that can arise. These negative emotions can seep into our lives in many ways: we might withdraw from relationships, eat in ways that are harmful, somaticize our internal concerns, or suffer from depression, insomnia, anxiety, anger, and/or low self-worth.
As Clinical Psychologists, we have developed a unique method of treating trauma that combines advanced techniques such as hypnosis, exposure therapy, and mindfulness tools. This integrative approach helps clients understand the connection between the biological changes triggered by trauma and their current emotional states. Our goal is to alleviate anxiety, reduce flashbacks and nightmares, and help clients regain their sense of self.
Our compassionate and comprehensive approach respects the unique needs of each client, fostering a safe and trusting environment essential for healing. By addressing both symptoms and root causes of trauma, we facilitate deep-seated change and lasting recovery, helping individuals navigate distressing life events and build fulfilling lives.
We use hypnosis to access and reframe deep-seated fears at the subconscious level, promoting profound internal change. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), we provide structured strategies for emotional regulation and distress tolerance. This combination helps clients develop mindfulness, stay present, and regain control and balance in their lives. In addition, some of our therapists incorporate both EMDR and hypnotherapy into treatment.
For clients seeking more comprehensive EMDR treatment, please visit our other practice, Soho Integrative EMDR.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) are both responses to trauma, but they differ significantly in their causes and manifestations. PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. On the other hand, C-PTSD arises from prolonged or repeated trauma, often occurring in situations where the individual feels trapped, such as ongoing physical or emotional abuse, domestic violence, or long-term childhood neglect.
Understanding C-PTSD involves recognizing the deeper and more pervasive effects of chronic trauma. Individuals with C-PTSD often struggle with long-term feelings of helplessness, shame, and worthlessness. These feelings can be compounded by a sense of isolation and the belief that their trauma is not "real" or justified. Survivors might feel that their experiences are minimized or misunderstood by others, making their emotional pain feel even more overwhelming and invalidated. Symptoms of C-PTSD can include emotional dysregulation, difficulties in maintaining relationships, persistent negative self-perception, and dissociation.
At our practice, we deeply understand the profound and complex impacts of both PTSD and C-PTSD. We know that survivors of trauma often feel that their feelings are not justified or real, leading to further emotional distress. Our compassionate approach is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can begin to validate their experiences and start their healing journey.
Childhood sexual abuse can have profound and enduring effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Survivors often struggle with a myriad of issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships. These impacts can persist into adulthood, affecting various aspects of life and leading to pervasive feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Many survivors unjustly blame themselves for the abuse, internalizing harmful messages that exacerbate their emotional distress. Physical manifestations such as chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances are also common.
At our practice, we deeply understand the complex and multifaceted nature of the trauma resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Our compassionate approach is trauma-informed, prioritizing the safety and emotional well-being of our clients. We provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can begin to heal. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and hypnosis, we help clients process their trauma, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and reclaim their sense of self-worth and empowerment. We work diligently to undo the damage of self-blame by helping clients recognize and challenge these internalized messages, fostering a more accurate and compassionate self-perception. Our goal is to facilitate profound healing and recovery, enabling clients to build fulfilling and balanced lives.
Physical abuse, whether experienced during childhood or within a partner relationship, can inflict severe and enduring damage on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Survivors often face challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming and maintaining healthy relationships. The impact of physical abuse can persist long into adulthood, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Many survivors wrongly blame themselves for the abuse, internalizing harmful messages that amplify their emotional distress. This can also manifest physically through chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and sleep disturbances.
Our practice is dedicated to understanding the intricate and multifaceted nature of trauma resulting from physical abuse. Our trauma-informed, compassionate approach places the utmost importance on the safety and emotional well-being of our clients. We offer a secure and supportive environment where clients can embark on their healing journey. By integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and hypnosis, we assist clients in processing their trauma, developing healthier coping mechanisms, and reclaiming their sense of self-worth and empowerment. We work diligently to help clients challenge and overcome the damaging internal messages of self-blame, fostering a more accurate and compassionate self-view.
Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic technique that uses guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, often referred to as a trance. This state can be likened to being so absorbed in a book or movie that the surroundings fade away. When used to address trauma, hypnotherapy can offer several potential benefits:
Safe Access to Traumatic Memories: The relaxed trance state can provide a safe environment for individuals to access and explore traumatic memories without becoming overwhelmed by them. The therapist can guide the client through these memories in a controlled and supportive manner.
Reframing and Processing Traumatic Events: In the trance state, individuals may be more open to suggestions and new perspectives. This can allow them to reframe traumatic experiences, assign new meanings to them, or view them from a different perspective, aiding in the healing process.
Integration of Trauma: Hypnotherapy can help individuals integrate traumatic experiences into their broader life narrative, reducing the isolating and fragmenting effects of trauma. This can help in reducing symptoms like flashbacks and dissociation.
Body and Mind Connection: Trauma often manifests as physical symptoms or somatic responses. Hypnotherapy can address the mind-body connection, helping individuals recognize, process, and release physical tensions or symptoms associated with trauma.
Skills Development: Hypnotherapy can be used to develop and reinforce coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, or positive self-affirmations. This can be particularly useful for managing trauma-related anxiety or panic.
Reducing Avoidance and Fear Responses: Through post-hypnotic suggestions, individuals can be encouraged to approach, rather than avoid, triggers or situations that remind them of the trauma, aiding in exposure-based healing.
Empowerment and Control: For many trauma survivors, a significant issue is the feeling of powerlessness. Hypnotherapy can help individuals reclaim a sense of control over their minds and bodies, bolstering self-confidence and resilience.
Research shows that facing the memories of a traumatic event in a safe and controlled therapeutic environment can drastically reduce negative symptoms and allow individuals to feel like themselves again and reclaim their lives. Our therapists have years of experience in both private and hospital settings, and they have worked with clients who have experienced trauma as a result of sexual harassment and assault, physical and sexual abuse in relationships, sexual and emotional trauma in childhood, and other life-threatening accidents and events. We use the most advanced techniques for treating trauma, such as Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, to help relieve clients’ trauma-related symptoms and allow them to feel whole again.
Join our dedicated therapeutic program focused on aiding your healing journey through trauma. We offer supportive insights and coping strategies, guiding you towards a deeper understanding and resilience, and helping you find peace and renewed strength.
