Traumatic experiences shake the foundations of our beliefs about safety, and shatter our assumptions of trust. In the "purest" sense, trauma involves exposure to a life-threatening experience. This fits with its roots in life-or-death issues of survival, in responses to stress and terror. September 11 is a perfect example of this. 

Additionally, betrayal by someone on whom you depend for survival (as a child on a parent) may produce consequences similar to those from more obviously life-threatening traumas. Examples include some physically or sexually abused children as well as war veterans.

If you experience intrusions, such as flashbacks or nightmares, where the traumatic event is re-experienced; utilize avoidance to reduce exposure to people or things that might bring on flashbacks or nightmares; and experience physiologic signs of increased arousal, such as hypervigilance or increased startle response - you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).

When many symptoms persist for weeks or months, or when they are extreme, professional help may be indicated. Postponing needed intervention for a year or more, and allowing avoidance defenses to develop, could make this work much more difficult.
 
In therapy you will have the opportunity to:

• developing trust; 
• learn to honor the integrity of your "being;"
• have a supportive arena to discover your narrative life story;
• discover you are not responsible for what happened to you;
• have a safe witness to explore your trauma(s);
• learn grounding skills for dissociative episodes;
• if applicable, mourn the childhood you didn't receive;
• express your feelings about the traumas you experienced;
• stop self-defeating patterns between yourself and others; 
• learn new coping strategies where you do not hurt yourself through self-destructive behaviors;
• discover your authentic self; and
• learn to regulate feelings from beginning, middle, and end without fear.
• learn the importance of breathing and mindfulness to keep yourself focused and expereincing life in the moment.

Every journey starts with one small step. You have taken the first step. Contact me and let's do the next step together. You don't have to go through this alone. I can restore hope and assist you through your journey of healing. Together we will Soothe Your Soul.

Please call me at (310) 544-1728 or e-mail me at DrTatianaHarvey@aol.com .





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