Preparing to Heal

The first phase of trauma work is crisis intervention in the immediate aftermath of the event. At this time, deep therapeutic work cannot be done. This is the time to manage symptoms, strategize coping skills and identify a support network. For example, when you are running for your life, you won’t stop at the porta potty, you'll just urinate all over yourself. You won't stop at a gas station to get a candy bar, you'll keep running. In crisis mode, one is unaware of their needs, unaware of their emotions or states of being.

Trauma symptoms are not a life sentence. Once we are out of survival mode, we can dive into emotions, states, and relationship dynamics that have not been processed.

An important piece of trauma work is choosing your therapist. There are a vast array of approaches and theories of trauma therapy. Choosing one that fits your needs is key. It is crucial to remember that a therapeutic relationship, like any other, is about match. It is important to interview different therapists and go with the one that you feel most connected with.

Consistency in therapy is important for continuity and building a safe relationship with the therapist. Therapy sessions do not end in 50 minutes. The subconscious mind continues to dream and think and heal.  

The therapeutic process is about curiosity, exploration, and doing something different. With the questions and experiences that arise in sessions, we start making connections and build awareness. This is another reason why expressive writing, as discussed in Re-Write, is such a great complement to the work of talk therapy.

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