Trauma therapy

Reclaim your experience and build lasting coping mechanisms

what is trauma therapy?

Trauma is clinically defined in two ways - “Large (T) Traumas” are defined as singular, unexpected events and/or experiences that are perceived as life threatening. “Small (t) traumas” are not life threatening, but are highly distressing personal events that overwhelm one’s ability to cope effectively. These are also referred to as “complex trauma” because they consist of layers of emotional suffering that occur over time. Crescent Counseling & Consulting utilizes evidence-based, trauma-trained practices including EMDR, CBT/DBT, and IFS Therapy (Parts Work) to help you heal from the symptoms and distress caused by traumatic or disturbing life experiences. Overcoming trauma is a complex and deeply personal journey, and it’s possible with the right support, resources, and recurring self care practices

WHAT IS a trauma therapy SESSION LIKE?

Healing and processing trauma can look different for everyone because everyone has different needs. During a trauma therapy session, you will meet with a trauma-trained therapist, who will partner with you to help you work to process your trauma - it is important to note that processing trauma often involves more than traditional talk therapy because it involves regulating the body. During session, this is something you and your therapist will work on together using evidence-based trauma-informed techniques - and, though you are working with your therapist, please remember you are always the one in control of your treatment.

Our Trauma Therapy services support individuals navigating experiences such as:

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks: Unwanted memories or images of the birth or medical experience that feel distressing or hard to control.

    • Emotional Distress When Reminded of the Experience: Feeling intense sadness, fear, anger, or panic when thinking about or discussing the birth or medical event.

    • Avoidance: Avoiding hospitals, medical settings, conversations about birth, or anything that serves as a reminder of the experience.

    • Hypervigilance About Body or Baby’s Safety: Feeling constantly on alert, scanning for signs that something may be wrong with your body or your baby.

    • Feelings of Guilt, Shame, or Failure: Struggling with self-blame or feeling like your body “failed you” or the birth did not go as expected.

    • Difficulty Bonding or Emotional Disconnection: Feeling emotionally distant from your baby, yourself, or the experience of becoming a parent.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or replaying the experience.

    • Physical Reactivity: Experiencing body-based responses such as tension, nausea, shaking, or a racing heart when reminded of the experience.

    • Heightened Anxiety Around Future Pregnancy or Medical Care: Feeling fear, dread, or avoidance when considering future pregnancies or medical appointments.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks: Unwanted thoughts, images, or memories related to medical procedures, hospitalizations, diagnoses, or healthcare experiences that feel difficult to control.

    • Fear or Anxiety Around Medical Care: Feeling intense nervousness, dread, or panic before appointments, procedures, or medical conversations.

    • Avoidance: Avoiding doctors, hospitals, medical tests, medications, or healthcare settings due to distress connected to past experiences.

    • Hypervigilance About Physical Symptoms: Constantly monitoring the body for signs that something may be wrong or fearing another medical crisis.

    • Feelings of Powerlessness or Loss of Control: Feeling helpless, unheard, dismissed, or emotionally unsafe during or after medical experiences.

    • Emotional Distress When Reminded of the Experience: Feeling panic, sadness, anger, or overwhelm when thinking about or discussing medical events.

    • Difficulty Trusting Medical Providers: Feeling fearful, guarded, or hesitant to seek care due to previous negative or traumatic healthcare experiences.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or replaying medical experiences in your mind.

    • Physical Reactivity: Experiencing body-based responses such as shaking, nausea, rapid heartbeat, tension, or dizziness when reminded of medical experiences.

    • Increased Anxiety or Panic: Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or experiencing panic symptoms related to health concerns or future medical care.

    • Feeling “Stuck” in Survival Mode: A sense that your nervous system remains activated or unable to fully settle after the experience.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Emotional Dysregulation: Experiencing emotions intensely, feeling easily overwhelmed, or struggling to return to a sense of calm after stress.

    • Chronic Hypervigilance: Feeling constantly on alert, emotionally guarded, or anticipating danger even in safe situations.

    • Persistent Shame or Low Self-Worth: Carrying deeply rooted beliefs of being “too much,” “not enough,” or fundamentally flawed.

    • Difficulty Trusting Others: Struggling to feel emotionally safe, connected, or secure within relationships.

    • People-Pleasing or Fear of Conflict: Prioritizing others’ needs, avoiding disagreement, or feeling responsible for maintaining emotional safety in relationships.

    • Emotional Numbness or Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from emotions, memories, your body, or your sense of self during periods of stress or overwhelm.

    • Intrusive Memories or Emotional Flashbacks: Experiencing intense emotional reactions, body sensations, or reminders connected to past trauma experiences.

    • Difficulty Setting Boundaries: Feeling guilt, fear, or anxiety when advocating for your needs or limits.

    • Negative Self-Talk or Inner Criticism: Experiencing a harsh internal dialogue rooted in shame, fear, or self-protection.

    • Chronic Stress & Nervous System Activation: Feeling stuck in survival mode, emotionally exhausted, or unable to fully relax.

    • Grief & Loss: Experiencing deep sadness, heartbreak, or mourning related to infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy loss, or unmet expectations surrounding parenthood.

    • Anxiety Around Pregnancy or Fertility Treatment: Feeling heightened fear, worry, or emotional distress surrounding cycles, procedures, testing, or the possibility of future loss.

    • Feelings of Guilt, Shame, or Failure: Struggling with self-blame or feeling as though your body has “failed” you or others.

    • Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling mentally, physically, and emotionally depleted from ongoing stress, uncertainty, or repeated reproductive challenges.

    • Hypervigilance: Constantly monitoring symptoms, cycles, physical sensations, or medical information in search of reassurance or control.

    • Relationship Stress: Increased tension, communication difficulties, or emotional distance within partnerships or family relationships.

    • Intrusive Thoughts or Rumination: Repetitive thoughts surrounding fertility, loss, pregnancy outcomes, or fear of future disappointment.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or quieting anxious thoughts related to reproductive stress or uncertainty.

    • Feeling “Stuck”: Feeling emotionally trapped in cycles of hope, grief, waiting, or ongoing uncertainty surrounding family building.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling emotionally depleted, overwhelmed, or drained after consistently caring for or supporting others through distressing experiences.

    • Increased Anxiety or Hypervigilance: Feeling more on edge, fearful, or emotionally impacted by the suffering or trauma of others.

    • Difficulty “Turning Work Off”: Carrying others’ stories or emotional experiences home with you and struggling to mentally disconnect.

    • Changes in Worldview: Feeling less safe, more cynical, hopeless, or emotionally burdened after repeated exposure to trauma narratives.

    • Emotional Numbness or Disconnection: Feeling emotionally shut down, detached, or less connected to yourself, your work, or the people around you.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, racing thoughts, nightmares, or replaying distressing situations in your mind.

    • Irritability or Emotional Reactivity: Feeling more emotionally sensitive, reactive, or overwhelmed in daily life and relationships.

    • Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, or other stress-related physical symptoms connected to chronic emotional strain.

    • Difficulty Feeling Present: Struggling to stay emotionally engaged, grounded, or connected due to prolonged exposure to others’ trauma or suffering.

    • Loss of Compassion Satisfaction: Feeling disconnected from the meaning, fulfillment, or purpose you once experienced in your caregiving or helping role.

    • Burnout: Feeling emotionally depleted, unsupported, or unable to continue functioning at the pace you once could.

    • Feeling “Stuck” in Survival Mode: A sense that your nervous system remains activated, emotionally overloaded, or unable to fully rest and recover.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Intense Irritability: Sudden, extreme feelings of anger or frustration over minor issues or events.

    • Outbursts of Anger: Explosive reactions or yelling at others, often in response to stress or overwhelming emotions.

    • Impatience: Feeling easily annoyed or losing patience quickly with the baby, partner, or others around you.

    • Frequent Mood Swings: A sharp shift between feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration.

    • Feeling Out of Control: A sense of being unable to manage or contain anger, leading to a loss of emotional control.

    • Extreme Stress Response: Reacting to stressors (e.g., baby’s crying, lack of sleep) with disproportionate rage.

    • Guilt or Shame After Outbursts: Feeling deeply guilty or ashamed after losing your temper or having a rage episode.

    • Overwhelming Frustration: A heightened sense of being unable to meet the demands of parenting or personal responsibilities.

    • Physical Symptoms of Anger: Increased heart rate, tension in the body, clenching fists, or jaw during episodes of rage.

    • Hostility Toward Partner or Family: Irritability or anger directed toward loved ones, especially those offering support.

    • Uncontrollable Thoughts: Racing or obsessive thoughts about situations that make you angry or stressed.

    • Feeling Overwhelmed: Struggling to handle the emotional weight of new motherhood, leading to intense emotional reactions.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Difficulty Bonding with Baby: Struggling to form an emotional connection with the baby due to unresolved trauma from previous generations.

    • Heightened Anxiety: Excessive worry about the baby's health, safety, or future, often linked to generational fears and trauma.

    • Attachment Issues: Trouble establishing secure attachment with the baby, possibly due to past trauma in one’s family history.

    • Trust Issues: Difficulty trusting healthcare providers, family members, or the support system due to past relational trauma.

    • Emotional Numbness: Feeling disconnected, emotionally distant, or detached from the baby or surroundings.

    • Overwhelm and Stress: Feeling easily overwhelmed by the demands of parenting due to inherited stress responses.

    • Difficulty with Parenting Roles: Struggling with identity as a parent or repeating negative parenting patterns learned from previous generations.

    • Increased Risk of Depression or Anxiety: Experiencing heightened vulnerability to mental health issues like depression or anxiety due to unresolved generational trauma.

    • Hypervigilance: Constantly being on alert, feeling unsafe or threatened, even in situations where there is no immediate danger.

    • Feelings of Unworthiness: Low self-esteem or self-doubt rooted in past family dynamics or trauma.

    • Compulsive Behavior or Overcontrol: Overcontrolling behaviors in attempts to prevent perceived negative outcomes, driven by fear from past trauma.

    • Flashbacks or Intrusive Thoughts: Recurrent, unwanted memories of traumatic events experienced by previous generations, especially related to birth or childhood.

    • Difficulty Receiving Support: Hesitance or discomfort with accepting help from others, often due to fear of repeating past negative patterns or experiences.

    • Physical Symptoms of Trauma: Experiencing physical tension, chronic pain, or digestive issues related to unresolved emotional trauma from the past.

    • Fear of Repeating the Past: A strong fear of replicating harmful behaviors or family patterns from previous generations with one’s own child.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Intense Sadness: Persistent feelings of deep sorrow and mourning for the loss of the baby.

    • Shock or Numbness: Feeling emotionally detached or in disbelief about the loss.

    • Guilt: Blaming oneself for the loss or feeling responsible, even when there is no logical reason.

    • Anger: Experiencing frustration, resentment, or anger directed at oneself, others, or even the situation.

    • Loneliness or Isolation: Feeling disconnected from others or withdrawing from support networks due to the pain of the loss.

    • Physical Symptoms of Grief: Headaches, fatigue, changes in appetite, difficulty sleeping, or gastrointestinal issues.

    • Intrusive Thoughts: Repeatedly thinking about the loss, including what could have been done differently or imagining "what if" scenarios.

    • Difficulty Bonding with Future Pregnancies: Fear of becoming attached to a new pregnancy, leading to emotional distance from the unborn baby.

    • Lack of Motivation: Losing interest in daily activities or feeling unable to engage in life due to the heaviness of grief.

    • Yearning or Longing: A strong desire for the lost baby or feeling as though something essential is missing from life.

    • Helplessness or Hopelessness: Feeling as if life will never return to normal, or that the grief is insurmountable.

    • Regret or "What-If" Thinking: Obsessing over potential decisions or events leading up to the loss and wondering if anything could have been done differently.

    • Fear or Anxiety About Future Pregnancies: Worrying about experiencing the same loss again or fearing that future pregnancies may not be successful.

    • Difficulty with Everyday Tasks: Struggling to engage in normal daily activities, such as caring for oneself, managing household responsibilities, or working.

    • Difficulty Expressing Grief: Feeling unable to talk about or share the grief due to fear of being misunderstood or judged by others.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Chronic Stress or Anxiety: Constant worry about fertility, conception, or the uncertainty of becoming pregnant.

    • Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of motivation due to ongoing fertility struggles.

    • Feelings of Inadequacy or Guilt: Self-blame or guilt over infertility, or feeling like a failure for not being able to conceive.

    • Isolation: Withdrawing from social events, friends, or family, especially those with children or who are pregnant.

    • Anger: Resentment or frustration toward oneself, partners, or others who easily conceive.

    • Mood Swings: Emotional rollercoaster from the stress of fertility treatments, failed cycles, or uncertainty.

    • Body Image Issues: Struggling with feelings of disappointment or distress related to changes in physical appearance or the inability to conceive naturally.

    • Overwhelming Disappointment: Grieving after failed attempts at conception, treatments, or miscarriages.

    • Sexual Dysfunction: Decreased libido or difficulty with intimacy due to the pressure of conception or fertility treatments.

    • Obsession with Fertility: Constantly thinking about ovulation, cycles, and fertility treatments to the point of obsession.

    • Coping with Miscarriage or Pregnancy Loss: Emotional distress or grief after experiencing miscarriage or pregnancy loss during fertility treatments.

    • Uncertainty about the Future: Fear of never being able to have a child, leading to feelings of hopelessness or uncertainty.

    • Relationship Strain: Tension or conflict between partners due to different emotional responses to fertility challenges or pressure surrounding the conception process.

    • Fatigue: Exhaustion, both physical and emotional, due to the demands of fertility treatments or ongoing cycles.

    • Loss of Control: Feeling overwhelmed by the lack of control over fertility outcomes or treatment success.

  • Symptoms may vary from person to person but may include the following:

    • Intrusive Memories or Flashbacks: Unwanted memories, images, or thoughts related to the loss or the circumstances surrounding it that feel distressing or difficult to control.

    • Intense Grief or Emotional Waves: Experiencing overwhelming sadness, anger, numbness, disbelief, or emotional shifts that can feel unpredictable or consuming.

    • Difficulty Accepting the Loss: Feeling emotionally “stuck,” disconnected from reality, or struggling to process that the loss has occurred.

    • Feelings of Guilt, Shame, or Regret: Replaying events, questioning decisions, or carrying self-blame related to the loss.

    • Hypervigilance or Fear of Additional Loss: Feeling constantly on edge or fearful that something bad may happen to others you love.

    • Avoidance: Avoiding reminders, places, conversations, anniversaries, or situations connected to the loss.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, racing thoughts, or replaying aspects of the traumatic event.

    • Emotional Numbness or Disconnection: Feeling detached from yourself, others, or daily life following the loss.

    • Difficulty Concentrating or Functioning: Experiencing brain fog, forgetfulness, or difficulty completing daily responsibilities due to grief and emotional overwhelm.

    • Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle tension, headaches, digestive discomfort, chest heaviness, or other body-based responses connected to grief and trauma.

    • Isolation or Withdrawal: Pulling away from relationships or feeling misunderstood and alone in your grief experience.

    • Feeling “Stuck” in Survival Mode: A sense that your nervous system remains overwhelmed, activated, or unable to fully process and integrate the loss.