Nancy Stroud, LCSW, RRT | 2717 Commercial Center Blvd | Suite E200 | Katy, TX 77494 | Tel: (281) 693-1455
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Trauma Therapy 2017-11-12T16:48:42+00:00

Are You Struggling With Difficult Emotions, Thoughts and Memories?

Woman staring out a windowDo you feel anxious, on-edge, depressed, angry or ashamed, and wonder why? Have you experienced something traumatic and are now plagued with flashbacks, fear and a sense that you could have done something differently? Maybe you are encountering issues and conflict in your career or relationships. You might find that you can’t trust others or allow yourself to be open and vulnerable in relationships. Or, maybe you rely on your loved ones too much, and this codependency is straining your relationships and diminishing your self-esteem. Perhaps you are struggling with substance abuse, addictions or an eating disorder, and although compulsive behaviors lead to temporary relief, you worry that you are doomed in some way. Do you feel as though your emotions are out of your control, especially if you can’t stop yourself from shutting down or lashing out or obsessing about a recent situation? Do you wish you could feel more comfortable around others and better equipped to handle internal and external conflicts?

Living with the aftereffects of trauma can be an isolating, confusing and overwhelming experience. You may feel very lonely and wonder why everyone else seems able to form the kinds of lasting, healthy relationships that elude you. Perhaps your emotions alarm you, and you sometimes find yourself exploding in anger, which only does further damage to your relationships or career. Even if know that you suffered a trauma in your life, you still might question if trauma is the source of your current issues, especially if it occurred a long time ago. You also might wonder if this is just the way life is and question when or how you could find relief.

Many People Become Stuck in the Aftermath of Trauma

If you are struggling to feel safe in your life and confident in yourself following a trauma, you are not alone. In fact, post-traumatic stress 

disorder (PTSD) affects an estimated 5 million people. Traumatic experiences affect each individual in a different way and can be caused by various events, including natural disasters, war, car accidents, the loss of a loved one, sexual abuse and abuse or neglect during childhood. You may be struggling with symptoms of traumatic experiences if you grew up in an unstable home or if you have been exposed to a chaotic, un-nurturing environment. Maybe you experienced a combination of these factors. Or, you may feel unsure why you are feeling overwhelmed and in pain in the present.  

Modern research has led to a greater understand of the brain’s plasticity – the ability of the brain to change, especially when faced with overwhelming challenges, danger or pain. If you faced years of developmental trauma as a child or adolescent or if you experienced a violent or frightening event, your brain likely responded in an attempt to preserve itself and protect you. Insomuch, the trauma you experienced and your brain’s subsequent response may have trained you to be hyper-vigilant, quick to respond with alarm or violence (verbal or physical) or to become fearful that danger is always present. Traumatic information overwhelms the brain with meanings and memories – they are too big and too much to simply process or “get over,” which means that this information often gets “stuck” within the mind and body. This is not your fault or an indication of any sort of personal or emotional failing on your part. The good news is that with the help of a trained trauma therapist, you can process the traumatic memories and automatically experience resolution and relief at a deeper level so you can enjoy greater peace in your life.

With Trauma Therapy, You Can Discover a New, More Open World

Regardless of the source or manifestation of trauma in your life, the latest trauma therapy techniques are extremely effective and can help you discover a sense of ease and hope that you may have never thought possible. In our sessions, you don’t have to relive the pain of the traumatic experience in order to find healing. Rather, together, we can restore your nervous system and rewire your brain to expand its capacity to experience balance, peace and calm.

In trauma counseling sessions, I will help you develop a variety of relaxation techniques that can help you engage in the present moment and better recognize the signals and sensations happening in your body. In a safe, supportive space, you can practice meditation, visualization and mindfulness, among other effective calming tools, that can help you feel more connected to your body and empowered to navigate challenging experiences with the most ease. You can begin to process and release the negative memories and beliefs stuck in your mind and allow yourself to automatically enjoy other, more positive experiences in your life. Using these effective techniques and others, you can help your brain and body better recognize when you are not in danger – that you are in the present, not reliving the traumatic event – which is key to deep, lasting relief.

I am a compassionate, experienced therapist who will foster a nurturing, trusting therapeutic relationship with you. In sessions, we will move at your pace, so that you feel comfortable on each step along the way. In my experience, I have found that trauma therapy can help clients resolve the effects of a traumatic event in a single session. Once the brain is able to comprehend that the trauma is not actually happening anymore, it can redirect all the energy it has been spending protecting you, and instead, focus on healing your body and mind. Letting go of psychological trauma can help you discover a renewed focus and vibrancy for everything else in your life that you have been long looking for.

You are not your memories of trauma, and your experiences don’t mean that anything is wrong with you. Your symptoms are simply the natural result of your human brain reacting to traumatic events, and with guidance and new understanding, your brain can heal itself from the negative effects of past trauma. You can enter a soothing state of calm and feel relaxed and uplifted. And, as you move through the effects of your trauma, you are likely to find that your relationships and career, along with other aspects of your life, improve. With the help of trauma therapy, so much in your life can change.

You may feel that trauma therapy can help, but still have questions and concerns…

I think this is just the way I am.

Even if you have struggled with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, addiction, anger or other issues for your entire life, trauma therapy can help. You don’t have to settle for a lifetime of unhappiness, worry and pain. If you are willing to open yourself up to the counseling experience and trust in your capacity to heal, you can leave therapy feeling open and relaxed.

Trauma therapy is too expensive.

You are worth the investment in your long-term physical, mental and emotional well-being. Trauma therapy can help you feel free from triggers and more in control of your emotions, even when life seems difficult. With your intention, desire and potential to heal, you can find that healing.

I’m worried that therapy will be a long, drawn-out process.

You will likely be surprised to discover how gently and quickly you experience great relief. We will take it one issue at a time, and every step we take can bring with it deeper understanding and clarity. If, during our work together, we discover any other concurring issues or concerns, we can also work through those together to help you ease your symptoms. Denying or ignoring your memories, struggles and fears won’t help them go away. If you are ready to feel better, a brighter future is within your reach.

Trauma Therapy Can Help You Resolve the Pain of the Past

You don’t have to feel isolated, alone and stuck anymore. I invite you to call me at 281-693-1455 for a free, 15-minute phone consultation. You can ask me any questions you may have about trauma therapy and my practice.