By Aaron Jordan, LPC
Trauma can be defined in many ways. We know of the obvious traumas that people undergo such as physical and sexual abuse, rape, neglect, accidents, war, terrorist attacks, and natural disasters. But what about the soul wounds that people endure from abandonment, neglect, emotional and spiritual abuse, grief and loss, childhood health issues, childhood bullying,
adoption, and divorce.
Here at Palmetto, we are not just looking at the event that occurred and whether or not it is perceived as “traumatic” but how the individual has been adversely affected in mind, body, and soul as a result of the event. These responses to trauma can cause emotional development. These disruptions in emotional development lead to the individual being incapable of coping with life effectively as a mature adult and can lead to utilizing alternative methods of coping, including addictions.
Some of the addictions we encounter include dissociation, cutting, binging, purging, anorexia, internet surfing, gambling, shopping, love and sex addiction, alcohol and chemical dependency, and other compulsive behaviors.
When working with individuals with trauma, we are looking at their mental, physical, mental, and emotional responses to the traumatic event, and treating each one on a sensory, cellular, and visceral level. In order to achieve this, we are utilizing a variety of therapeutic techniques, including experiential therapy, EMDR, somatic experiencing, grounding techniques, and specialized women’s and men’s issues groups.
Another important aspect of the healing process is including the family. By involving the family, we are able to more effectively identify and process family dynamics which may have contributed to a negative self-perception in the individual.
Here at Palmetto, our goal is to create a safe and compassionate environment for individuals to become vulnerable without fear of judgment. We are here to listen, to witness, and to provide healing for the individual and the family system