Trauma


EMDR therapy: What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing? And how does it work?

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and it is a psychotherapy approach that is primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders and emotional distress. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has gained recognition as an effective treatment for various mental health issues, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder…

Sexual trauma: What are the effects? And what treatment options are available?

Sexual trauma can occur in many forms and for survivors often results in short- or long-term psychological consequences, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. In the days and weeks following occurrences of sexual trauma, survivors may grapple with confusion, guilt, social withdrawal, and anger. Despite its potential to cause psychological…

How can adverse childhood experiences and childhood trauma affect us in adulthood?

Childhood, if nothing else, is a memorable period of our lives. Hopefully, we can recall blissful memories: of holidays, old friends, family vacations, and time spent simply running around, doing all the things kids do. But not every childhood experience is so positive—some of us have adverse childhood experiences. In…

What family constellation therapy can reveal about intergenerational trauma (and Abuela in “Encanto”)

Family constellation therapy (FCT) is a way of helping individuals heal from family trauma and suffering that’s been passed down unconsciously through generations of their bloodline. Constellation work explores these intergenerational dynamics through body, mind, and spirit. The therapeutic approach is rooted in psychoanalytic thought as well as family systems…

What is racial trauma? (Video)

Hello, my name is Shontel Cargill and I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Thriveworks located at the Cumming office in Georgia. The question that was asked was, “What is racial trauma?” Racial trauma also known as race-based traumatic stress is defined as the cumulative negative effects of racism…

How to help a child who has suffered from trauma: Build a connection, be gentle, and help them process their emotions

Traumatic stress leaves you feeling terrible. When you’re experiencing traumatic stress, your body tenses and gives in to physiological changes that can lead to digestive issues and headaches. When children experience this kind of overwhelming emotion, it limits their ability to engage positively in learning. Curiosity is a result of…

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