Trauma
Trauma-Informed Care in Michigan
If you have experienced trauma and you have been suppressing it, but you are now realizing the need to process what happened and begin to move forward, you are not alone. The recent statistics related to intimate partner violence, child abuse, and PTSD show the prevalence of trauma in our world today, and we are here to help.
The Process:
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1. Reaching Out
Reaching out is often the hardest step, and when trauma is involved, the last thing you want to do is talk about it. Research shows that the best way to cope with trauma is to process it in a safe place.
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2. Start Therapy
Several of our licensed therapists are trained to work with trauma, using Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Processing Therapy.
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3. Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma work can be hard; we understand this and believe it takes a lot of courage to start this process. The goal throughout trauma informed care is to gently and sensitively explore past traumatic events and how these experiences are impacting you in the present.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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Trauma is complex and is described as a lasting emotional response that results from experiencing a distressing event. It can significantly impact a person's ability to cope, function, and navigate relationships. Trauma can stem from a single event, like a car accident or sexual assault, or repeated exposure to stressful or harmful situations, such as emotional, physical, and psychological abuse. If you have encountered trauma, it is common to minimize it as a way to survive or cope.
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CPT, or Cognitive Processing Therapy, is one of the most empirically based forms of treatment for trauma. At the start of therapy, you will be given the PCL-5 Assessment, which assesses symptoms of PTSD. If you score a 32 or higher, we recommend starting CPT. This a 12 session, structured form of treatment that will include therapeutic assignments and the use of skills to stay grounded when bringing up past traumatic experiences. The goal of CPT is to identify and challenge "stuck points" – negative thoughts and beliefs about the trauma that prevent healing. CPT is most effective for teens, college students, and adults. If you are interested in starting CPT, contact Hillary Levergood, LPC.
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TF-CBT is a structured, components-based treatment that focuses on helping individuals process trauma, develop coping skills, and improve overall functioning. TF-CBT can be effective for children, adolescents, and adults. If you are interested in starting TF-CBT, reach out to Kira Lang or Mahrley Parks.
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Our trained and licensed play therapist, Kira Lang, has many years of experience working with kids who have experienced significant abuse and/or neglect. Through the use of play therapy, Kira meets children where they are and provides a safe space for them to process their trauma.
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Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) are both evidence-based forms of therapy that are designed to help adolescents and their families overcome and challenge the negative effects of traumatic experiences. Hillary, Kira, Marhely, and Noah are our therapists who work with trauma in teens.
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Both Cognitive Processing Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT are effective in addressing trauma in adults. Our trained and licensed therapists offer either CPT or TF-CBT based on their expertise and professional training. Hillary, Kira, Mahrley, and Noah are our therapists who specialize in working with adults who have experienced trauma.
