Trauma and EMDR
Trauma is best understood as the response to a deeply disturbing event(s) that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Trauma is inherently subjective; every person’s experience of trauma is different. Because of that, all types of human experiences—be they single-incident events, developmental trauma, attachment injury, or persistent systemic harm—have the potential to be experienced as traumatic.
Symptoms and Challenges of Traumatic Experiences
Experiencing a traumatic event can lead to many symptoms and challenges in daily living. About a third of trauma survivors develop symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, numbing, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Many survivors of developmental or attachment trauma find that their symptoms impact their relationships, self-concept, and capacity to regulate their emotions. Regardless of your symptoms, working with a therapist trained in trauma-therapy is an essential step towards healing.
Our Approach to Trauma-Informed Therapy
Our clinicians are trained in various evidence-based trauma therapies, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. All our therapists operate from a trauma-informed approach. This means that across treatment modalities, we work hard to ensure client safety and promote stabilization, hold a contextual and systemic understanding of trauma, support autonomy and consent in treatment, and use a strength-based approach.
EMDR
Dr. Basch and Ms. Stutz are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an extremely effective and well-validated therapy used to treat trauma, PTSD, and other mental health concerns. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR is a “bottom-up” approach that supports the brain’s ability to reintegrate distressing material and resolve the fight, flight, or freeze response. EMDR can be used for recent or past trauma, developmental or attachment trauma, and can be effective in treating mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression.
Perinatal and Birth Trauma
Birth trauma refers to physical or emotional trauma experienced during or after childbirth. Birth trauma can impact the birthing person or a partner who witnessed the birth. Many factors can contribute to birth trauma including childbirth that didn’t go as planned or expected, birth complications or the need for emergency interventions during birth, feeling unseen or unsupported during the birth experience, birth injuries, or simply having a trauma history. If birth trauma is not addressed, it can lead to persistent symptoms including PTSD. Our team is trained to effectively treat birth trauma and address trauma-related symptoms. We work with trauma survivors navigating pregnancy and birth, survivors of birth trauma, and clients with perinatal PTSD. Dr. Basch and Ms. Stutz have specialized training in EMDR for perinatal mental health concerns including birth trauma, and offer EMDR during pregnancy and postpartum.
Healing from Trauma with Compassionate, Expert Care
Trauma can leave deep and lasting impacts, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our warm and dedicated team is here to support you with specialized, evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique experiences. Whether you're dealing with flashbacks, anxiety, or relationship challenges stemming from trauma, we offer a compassionate approach to help you heal and regain your sense of peace.