Trauma and PTSD

It can take a great leap of faith to address past abuse and trauma. I will provide a supportive and safe environment to assist you in addressing your past in a way that works for you. You will be able to do as much or as little as you are comfortable with as I recognize each person is on their own healing journey.

I want to help you to get the courage to change your story and the courage to heal your life. 

Past traumatic experiences have a way of sneaking into our current life. If you have a history of single episodes of trauma or shock (for example, motor vehicle accident, workplace injury,  assault), multiple episodes of trauma or other adverse lifetime events over adult life, or complex trauma or difficult life events experienced in infancy, childhood or adolescence, you may find yourself experiencing some of the following:

  • anxiety

  • panic attacks

  • nightmares, possibly even flashbacks

  • intense fear and focus on your safety

  • or alternately, acting in an unsafe and careless manner

  • lots of unwanted nervous feelings or feeling out of control

  • low grade, lingering depression sometimes lasting for many years

  • difficulty imagining your future, or an inability visualizing good things in your future or using good judgment for your future (see also acting in an unsafe manner)

The good news is that we can heal from past traumatic wounds. 

My Approach

Working through past trauma is a highly individual and personal experience. You can go as fast or slow as what works for you. You can address everything or just a little bit. You have complete control of the process.

Our work together will help you feel supported and safe, and provide you with healthy coping skills including anxiety reducing tools and grounding techniques. I am an EMDR Trained Clinician through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). This established technique can help you challenge past negative stories and turn them into stories of strength and hope.

If this sounds like something you are interested in pursuing, please continue reading for more information or contact me to get started.

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. It engages the person’s brain, mind and body in activating the brain’s natural ability to form memories and memory connections. This natural brain processing – and integration –  is also known as Adaptive Information Processing. It is very important to know that EMDR is safe, contained, non-invasive, and collaborative. 

EMDR is recommended as a ‘first-line’ treatment for trauma and PTSD in adults, adolescents and children by the World Health Organization & U.S. Department of Veterans.  EMDR is already well established internationally and increasingly recognized by health professions across the United States, including the American Psychiatric Association.

What can EMDR do for you?

Help you work through distressing memories and triggers for a more adaptive and fulfilling life

Help you get back your sense of safety and back to the things you love

Help you restore balance and peace after difficult life experiences

Please feel free to contact me directly for more information or to arrange a confidential consultation to discuss your possible suitability for EMDR or alternative approaches to trauma treatment. 

Shannon Halford