The longer you live, the more likely it is you have experienced trauma. Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and diminishes the sense of self and the ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Trauma does not discriminate and is estimated to impact almost one-third of the population. Emotional symptoms of trauma include sadness, fear, anger denial and shame, which in turn can lead to nightmares, insomnia, difficulty with relationships, and emotional outbursts. Common physical symptoms resulting from a traumatic experience include nausea, dizziness, changes in appetite, headaches, and altered sleep patterns.

Though there is no cure nor quick fix for traumas and the suffering associated with them, there is hope. As a trauma-informed therapist, I use a number of evidence-based approaches when working to alleviate symptoms, improve desensitization, and restore balance. In my work, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help change the thought and behavioral patterns associated with heightened physical and emotional symptoms. Somatic therapies, including Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychology, are used to help the body process and release the manifestations of trauma.

Finally, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic technique that can successfully remove deeply-held beliefs beliefs about the self and the world, beliefs caused by trauma which can manifest themselves in depression, anxiety, and shame. EMDR is then used to install positive, helpful and accurate beliefs about the self and world. Often, removing the “interference” of blocking beliefs allows individuals suffering from depression to begin to be open to other forms of effective treatment.  Dr. Schaefer-Schiumo is trained in the use of EMDR, and has used this to quickly and successfully guide clients away from feelings like, “I’m worthless,” “It’s all my fault,” “the world is cruel” and “I don’t deserve to be happy” and toward a fully-realized self.

Please contact me to discuss the ways we can help you resolve issues you’re having.