Trauma Therapy in Denver, CO

Trauma Therapy Services: Compassionate Care for Your Healing Journey

Trauma can have a profound impact on one’s life, affecting mental, emotional, and physical well-being. At Somatic Therapy Partners, we understand the complexities of trauma and are dedicated to providing effective, compassionate care. This comprehensive guide offers an overview of trauma therapy and PTSD treatment, helping you understand your options for recovery.

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Why Choose Us For Trauma Therapy

Choosing the right trauma therapy provider is essential for effective recovery. At Somatic Therapy Partners, we offer:

Experienced Therapists: Our team is skilled in various trauma therapies, ensuring expert care.

Holistic Focus: We address the mind-body connection in trauma healing.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Tailored to meet your specific needs and recovery goals.

Compassionate Support: A safe and supportive environment for your healing journey.

Proven Success: Numerous success stories from clients who have reclaimed their lives after trauma.

Safe Environment: Our center provides a comfortable, confidential space for your therapy sessions.

What is Trauma?

“Trauma originates as a response in the nervous system, and does not originate in an event.” (Levine)
“Trauma happens when the organism is strained beyond its adaptational capacity to regulate states of arousal. The (traumatized) nervous system disorganizes, breaks down and cannot reset itself. This manifests in global fixation, in a fundamental loss in the rhythmic capacity to self-regulate arousal, to orient, to be in the present and to flow in life.” (Levine)

Broadly, there are three main kinds of trauma: shock trauma, complex trauma and early trauma.

Shock trauma occurs in a one-time event such as a natural disaster, a medical procedure, or an assault where a person’s system is too overwhelmed to complete a fight or flight response. Shock trauma often manifests as PTSD (post- traumatic stress syndrome) symptoms.
Complex trauma occurs when a person experiences an on-going series of traumatic events without an ability to process the trauma and restore the nervous system back to balance. Examples of how complex trauma happens include being in a domestic violent relationship; experiencing racism, poverty and systemic oppression; during chronic medical conditions or chronic pain, especially when providers and caregivers don’t handle the body with care and/or are dismissive or shaming of the patient’s experiences or truths; and any other experiences where the person experiences chronic threat or harm without protection, resources, belonging or support.
Early trauma or childhood trauma, also known as developmental trauma occurs when in the first three years of life and often well into their teens, that child experiences a chronic lack of safety and/or adverse experiences. Experiences such as abandonment, medical procedures, any kind of abuse and emotional or physical neglect all contribute to early trauma patterns in the nervous system. These patterns keep the nervous system dysregulated and without intervention or meaningful support, these children grow into adults who struggle with anxiety, depression and more.

Symptoms of Trauma

Recognizing the symptoms of trauma is crucial for seeking timely help. Common symptoms of PTSD or shock trauma include:

– Flashbacks and intrusive memories

– Nightmares and sleep disturbances

– Severe anxiety and panic attacks

– Emotional numbness or detachment

– Avoidance of trauma reminders

– Irritability and mood swings

Understanding these symptoms can help you identify the need for professional support.

Childhood Trauma: Healing the Wounds from the Past

Childhood trauma can often lead to complex trauma and can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual’s life. Experiences such as neglect, abuse, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence can negatively shape one’s emotional, psychological and neurological development. At Somatic Therapy Partners, we understand the unique challenges posed by childhood trauma and offer specialized therapy to address these deep-seated issues.

Effects of Childhood and Complex Trauma

The effects of childhood and complex trauma can be pervasive, influencing various aspects of life even into adulthood. Common effects include:

Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Struggling to manage emotions and experiencing intense reactions to stress.
Relationship Challenges: Difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships.
Self-Esteem Issues: Persistent feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy.
Mental Health Disorders: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Physical Health Problems: Higher likelihood of chronic illnesses due to prolonged stress responses. We often see immune and digestive system issues manifest in getting sick a lot, growing up with chronic stomach problems, and development of autoimmune disorders.

For more detailed information, please visit our Trauma Therapy For Childhood Issues Page.

Our Approach to Treating Trauma

At Somatic Therapy Partners, we use a holistic approach to trauma therapy, combining evidence-based techniques with compassionate care. Our methods include:

Somatic Experiencing® and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: Two leading somatic based therapies to resolving trauma focusing on increasing body awareness and promoting a more attuned relationship to the body to release stored trauma and promote nervous system healing and balance.

S.A.F.E. EMDR (Somatic and Attachment- Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessinG): A structured therapy to help process and integrate traumatic memories.

Coregulating Touch: a therapeutic touch approach designed to work at the nervous system level for helping clients heal from early childhood or developmental trauma.

Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (PaP) is a unique marriage of psychedelics and psychotherapy administered in a professionally monitored environment to create rapid and long-lasting psychological and behavioral change in people suffering from persistent disorders. Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KaP) and other plant-based medicine support healing and resolution of issues such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.

We also incorporate other methods, tools and interventions such as:

Mindfulness: All healing and transformation begins with learning how to become aware of what’s happening in the present moment, not just with thoughts and other internal experiences, but also what’s happening around us that may be impacting our experiences.
Somatic-Based Grounding and Relaxation Techniques: Promoting body-awareness and stress-reduction skills.
Ancestral Healing is a process that involves: discovering, exploring, and treating traumas that have been passed down through generations from your ancestors and understanding and healing from the ways in which historical trauma has affected individuals and communities.
Embodiment practices such as breathwork and movement-based practices such as yoga or dance are helpful tools to support increased, positive relationships with the body, to help relieve stress and release trauma.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): is an approach to psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system.

Supporting Your Healing Journey

Healing from trauma is a gradual process, but with the right support and therapeutic interventions, it is possible to fully heal and reclaim a sense of peace and well-being. At Somatic Therapy Partners, we partner with you and are committed to walking alongside you every step of the way, offering compassionate care and proven therapeutic techniques to help you heal.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the effects of trauma, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Somatic Therapy Partners today to schedule a consultation and begin your journey toward healing and recovery.

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Comparison Chart

Feature

Approach

Focus

Techniques

Physical Symptoms

Long-term Results

Empowerment

Somatic Therapy Partners

Holistic Mind-body integration

Enhancing the regulation of the somatic nervous system

Somatic exercises, mindfulness, cognitive strategies

Directly addressed

Sustainable bodily changes

Learn to self-regulate

Traditional Talk Therapy

Primarily cognitive

Thought patterns

Cognitive restructuring, discussion

May be overlooked

May require ongoing sessions

Dependent on therapist insights

From Our Clients

“I sought out therapy at Somatic Therapy Partners because I knew that the depression and anxiety I was dealing with was too much for me to face on my own.

I was so overwhelmed in my life that I felt quite helpless; I had frequent panic attacks, larger scale depressive episodes, and I was stuck in past traumas.

Through this work, I have been able to process trauma and return to my body safely. I’ve learned how to track my nervous system to understand how I’m feeling and then consciously soothe myself using love and care instead of negative coping mechanisms.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences. It uses various evidence-based techniques to address the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of trauma, aiming to reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.

You might benefit from trauma therapy if you’ve experienced a traumatic event and are struggling with symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, emotional numbness, or difficulties in relationships. If these symptoms persist and affect your daily life, it’s worth considering trauma therapy.

The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on the individual, the type of trauma, and the chosen treatment approach. Some therapies, like EMDR, can show results in as few as 6-12 sessions, while others may require several months or longer. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best treatment plan.

No, trauma therapy can benefit anyone who has experienced trauma, regardless of whether they have a PTSD diagnosis. Many people who have experienced traumatic events can benefit from therapy even if they don’t meet the full criteria for PTSD.

While some trauma therapies involve discussing traumatic experiences, the goal is never to re-traumatize you. Your therapist will work at a pace you’re comfortable with and use techniques designed to process trauma safely. Somatic-based trauma therapies focus on healing through nervous system regulation, learning self-regulation skills and promoting body awareness without necessarily revisiting the traumatic event in detail.

Yes, trauma therapy can be very effective for addressing childhood trauma. Many of our approaches, including Coregulating Touch, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and S.A.F.E EMDR are particularly helpful for processing early life experiences and their long-term effects.

Childhood trauma refers to a frightening, dangerous, violent, or life-threatening event that happens to a child (under 18 years old). This can include abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, or other traumatic experiences.

Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. It can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and physical health problems like heart disease or chronic pain.

Research shows that online trauma therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many individuals. We offer secure, confidential telehealth options that allow you to receive treatment from the comfort of your own home.

Medication isn’t always necessary in trauma therapy, but it can be helpful for some individuals. If medication might be beneficial, we’ll discuss this option with you and can provide referrals to psychiatric professionals when appropriate.

For your first session, try to come with an open mind and a willingness to share. You might find it helpful to write down any questions you have or symptoms you’ve been experiencing. Remember, you’re in control of what you share and at what pace.

Yes, trauma therapy is confidential. We adhere to strict privacy guidelines and ethical standards. The only exceptions to confidentiality are situations where there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of suspected abuse of minors or vulnerable adults.

It’s normal for trauma therapy to feel challenging at times. If you’re finding it too difficult, communicate this with your therapist. They can adjust the approach, slow down the pace, or focus more on coping skills and stabilization techniques. Remember, you’re in control of your therapy journey.

The best ways to support someone in trauma therapy include listening without judgment, respecting their privacy, encouraging their therapy journey, and learning about trauma to better understand their experiences. We also offer resources for family members and can provide guidance on how to be a supportive presence.