Transforming
toxic stress, trauma, complex trauma
There is so much goodness in life; in the stillness of ourselves, the connection with others, the pursuit of creativity and contribution, the expression of interests and work, the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of nature, and in the wonder of what comes next.
And unfortunately, life can also have some overwhelming circumstances.
Circumstances that, through no fault of our own, leave us stuck in survival and struggling with toxic stress, trauma, or complex trauma.
Getting Stuck in Survival
There are many circumstances, family dysfunctions, social problems and systemic issues that can result in toxic stress, trauma and complex trauma- many more than people realize.
In such circumstances, the nervous system takes over and does what is necessary for our survival. Among other things, this means keeping us in prolonged stress activation that can eventually leave us stuck in a “survival state”.
Being in survival impacts most aspects of our functioning- affecting our thinking, our feelings, our motivation, our choices, our relationships.
You might be finding yourself struggling or stuck in survival and inside the symptoms of toxic stress, trauma or complex trauma.
The problem is that it’s really hard to live with toxic stress, trauma, or complex trauma. It sucks to be stuck in survival, to not feel like ourselves, to try to move forward but go in circles, and to experience the negative effects on our relationships, our lives, and our health.
It’s possible, even probable to transform through and to the other side with recognition, resources, and counselling support.
We can achieve regulation, recovery, resilience, restored relationships with ourselves and others, and renewed engagement in our lives.
Counselling Areas
I work with adults in person in Edmonton or virtually within Alberta.
I provide specialized counselling for Toxic Stress and Trauma and Complex Trauma (which occurs in response to significant, prolonged, or recurring traumas and results in a more global impact and more involved symptoms).
Reasons to Choose Recovery
In most cases, recovery from toxic stress, trauma and complex trauma doesn’t just happen.
The more symptoms we have, and the longer we’ve had them, the more attention, effort and recovery resources (including counselling) are usually needed.
Continuing to struggle in endless symptoms and survival is not the goodness in life.
It’s important to see and consider the likely consequences of not recovering to ourselves, our relationships, and our lives now and in the future.
And just as importantly, we need to understand the likely benefits of doing the work, and find a reason or reasons that are compelling enough to get us started.
Working Together on Recovery
Counselling is about working together.
The clients shows up as the expert on their goals, experiences, and their life and with the willingness to engage and try new things.
The counsellor holds good process and provides the expertise to share information, ask good questions, encourage insights, move through interventions, teach new skills that will help the client shift from what’s not working into what will.
Safety
Client Defined Goals
Intentional Approach
Wholistic
Recovery Roadmap
6 Ps of Counselling
Client Sheets
High Benefits: Low Risk
50 Minute Sessions
Accessible Fees
Flexible Format
Regulated Practice
Recovery is a beautifully messy and elegant multi-related and multi-directional journey. It has four phases and typically six areas of focus within these phases including: accessing safety; realness and response; story integration; self leadership; supportive lifestyle; and life engagement. Recovery in any one area starts to shift functioning in the other areas.
There is different emphasis depending on the level of severity (toxic stress, compared to trauma and complex trauma).
STABILIZATION focuses on accessing safety and learning to be real and responsive rather than engaging in avoiding or reacting.
PROCESSING involves moving through and coming to terms with stressful/traumatic material until it is integrated in your story.
DEVELOPMENT involves expanding the self, its leadership and your abilities to better relate with life in self-supportive ways.
MOVING FORWARD involves pulling all of the changes through into your larger life in a manner than reinforces and integrates recovery.
Some of us are quick to dive into counselling so we can get to the other side faster. Deep down, we know it’s not our fault and just want to get better.
Others of us need to struggle a little longer and inch our way there. We might, inaccurately, be blaming or telling ourselves we should be able to do it on our own.
Wherever you are in terms of readiness, know that it is not your fault, you are not alone, support is available, and there is another side.
Take whatever next step is most right for you.
Next Steps In Recovery
Reach out for a free consultation if:
- you’re wondering if you might have toxic stress, trauma or complex trauma.
- you’re wanting to better understand the process of recovery and what it looks like.
- you’re ready to get started with counselling.
If you’re not ready for counselling, explore the signs of readiness or check out the additional resources.
