Our therapists offer PTSD & trauma therapy in Beverly Hills, MI

Elizabeth: My go-to approaches for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy are EMDR, CBT, and client-centered therapy. I find that it is extremely important to let the client move at their own pace when bringing up and working through trauma, and I appreciate the efficacy of EMDR.

Katie: My go-to approach for helping people in PTSD/trauma therapy is to teach my clients about what trauma is, the connection between the brain/mind and body, and grounding techniques, and begin trauma-informed narrative exposure therapy to process and heal trauma.

Elizabeth: I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy: mindfulness, grounding, meditation, and cognitive restructuring to name a few.

Katie: I teach the following tools in PTSD/trauma therapy:

• Grounding: Developing a connection between mind and body
• Tracking: Attention on sensations in the body and monitoring them for a period of time
• Identifying triggers: Raising self-awareness regarding what can trigger a trauma response
• Boundaries: Learning how to set healthy and appropriate boundaries with others
• Self-soothing: Taking ownership of feelings and the ability to cope in healthy ways

Elizabeth: I know a client is making meaningful progress in PTSD/trauma therapy when their symptoms lessen, particularly hypervigilance and sleep struggles. Additionally, I like to utilize industry best practice measures such as the PCL-C.

Katie: I know a client is making meaningful progress in trauma therapy when they are putting in the work outside of sessions. Therapy can be an incredibly helpful hour to process your emotions and build skills, but the change comes from practicing those skills regularly on your own outside of the therapy sessions.

Elizabeth: Clients can supplement their time in therapy with journalling, specific readings, and the use of tools discussed and practiced in session. Additionally, I encourage time outside and physical movement.

Katie: Clients can supplement their time in PTSD/trauma therapy with worksheets, journaling, relaxation skills, reading, and educational videos/podcasts about PTSD/trauma.

Elizabeth: To prepare for trauma therapy, I encourage the client to try and tend to their basic needs first, such as getting a physical, working on sleep, etc. to ensure that any underlying conditions that would inhibit progress are addressed.

Katie: To prepare for their first PTSD/trauma therapy session, an individual can expect a nonjudgmental experience. Usually, we focus on gathering a full assessment of your lived experience, mental health, and physical health, and create treatment goals based on the reason you are seeking help.