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Trauma can affect your sense of self, trust in others, and view of the world.  The intensity and impact of trauma can vary a great deal.

One definition of trauma is that it happens whenever a particular situation overwhelms your ability to cope.

Everyone Can Heal
No matter what you have been through, you can heal.  Many times, people think that they have been too hurt to heal.  However, everyone can heal.  Your life can get better.

Be Gentle with Yourself
You have been through a lot.  Be very gentle and kind to yourself.  You can treat yourself with compassion.  If it is helpful, imagine how you would treat someone else who was hurt.

Therapy Can Help
Therapy can provide an environment where you can find and express your emotions.  You can also explore underlying beliefs which were created during the trauma - beliefs that made sense in the moment but that may not be accurate now.

Therapy can help you feel more present in the moment and less influenced by past trauma.  Processing past trauma allows you to live more in the present.

Of course, therapy is confidential, which can help people feel safe enough to begin to talk about painful issues.  And, if you prefer more privacy, some techniques can be done with very little talking.  You are in control of your healing.

EMDR is a popular and effective way of resolving trauma.  I also offer sandtray, art therapy, and hypnosis, as well as more traditional counseling or talk therapy.

Therapy can help people transform their lives, which is why I love being a therapist.

‘Smaller’ Traumas Count Too
Often, people think that their trauma does not matter because it is ‘smaller’ than someone else’s.  All trauma is hurtful.

Of course, trauma encompasses non-abuse-related trauma too.  Even children of well-meaning parents can experience trauma while growing up.  And we experience traumas throughout our lives- whenever a situation overwhelms our ability to cope.

Child Abuse and Neglect
Therapy can help survivors of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and other trauma.

A child’s sense of self is so greatly impacted by abuse and neglect.  Children often blame themselves, and this self-blame can continue into adulthood.  Blaming oneself is often a way of trying to feel in control in a scary, out-of-control situation.  Abuse or neglect is never the child’s fault.  Even if the child wanted the connection and closeness, the abuse was not the child’s fault.  All children deserve safe attention.

Survivors of child abuse and neglect might struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence.  Survivors might also have a hard time believing that they are worthy and good.  Healing can help people recover their sense of self-esteem, self-confidence, worth, and goodness.

Trusting others and trusting the world are often difficult for people who have survived abuse and neglect.  Believing that others will be there and will be kind takes work, but it is possible.

If you have survived abuse or neglect, there is help available.  Please contact me or another healing person.  If you are under 18, you can also contact your local child protective services or police. (CPS hotline for Santa Cruz: (831) 454-2273)

Potential Concerns About Therapy
Sometimes people are concerned that a therapist will try to force them to look at painful issues before they are ready.  Unfortunately, in the past, some therapists have tried to force people to process trauma too quickly.  Many current approaches tend to be much gentler and more respectful of where each person is at in the healing process.  If you are working with me or another therapist and you feel pushed, please talk about your concerns.  I try very hard to be aware of how fast or slow someone needs to go.  I think that it is incredibly important that people get to choose when and how they heal.  Honoring your own needs is part of healing.

Sometimes, people are concerned that a therapist will blame or judge them, and this fear can keep people from getting help.  Especially after surviving abuse or any trauma, feeling blamed or judged can be so painful.  I try to be very sensitive and compassionate.  I’m happy to talk first on the phone if that would be helpful.

704 Soquel Ave., Suite C
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Please visit my home page for more information about me.  (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MFC40414)

I offer a free phone consultation to give you a chance to ask questions, better understand how I work, and decide if we are a good fit.

To schedule an appointment or ask questions, you can call me at (831) 419-2019 or email me at stacy@stacyoleary.com.

704 Soquel Ave., Suite C, Santa Cruz, CA 95062  ~  (831) 419-2019  ~  stacy@stacyoleary.com

Home     Benefits of Therapy     My Approach to Therapy     Directions/Santa Cruz Office

© Stacy O’Leary 2010-2011

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Trauma therapy and counseling in Santa Cruz, serving Soquel, Aptos, Capitola, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, and Santa Cruz / Santa Clara / Monterey Counties.  Helping children, teenagers, and adults with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, and self-esteem.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.