Trauma Therapy for Interpersonal Violence in Maryland
Empowering & Informative
Trauma Therapy for Interpersonal Violence throughout Maryland
Everyday, acts of violence are televised and reported on the news. They can also be recalled by survivors and/or incorporated into interpersonal dynamics. The causes for violence and the factors that maintain violent behaviors are complex. Survivors and witnessed of violence struggle with making sense of 'senseless acts.' They also struggle with knowing how to live happy lives while dealing with thoughts and emotions from their experiences. It’s possible to experience multiple forms of violence at different times of life. To be exposed to varying degrees of violence and to have unique reactions to new situations are also possible. Our life experiences shape the ways we view ourselves and others, and influence our thoughts, values, emotional reactions, and behaviors. When we’re exposed to violence, whatever the circumstances, it leaves a lasting impact on us. It influences how safe we feel, confident we are, how we communicate, and how we process information.
Types of Violent Behaviors
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Self-Directed Violence (Self-Harming Behaviors and/or Suicidal Thoughts, Plans, or Actions)
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Interpersonal Violence (Child Abuse/Neglect, Intimate Partner Violence, Elder Abuse, Assault Within Your Community, Property Crimes, Workplace Violence)
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Collective Violence (Social, Political, and/or Economic Violence)
LifeSpring’s Approach to Trauma Therapy for Interpersonal Violence
Many of your feelings and behaviors may be normal responses to trauma or violence. Depending on your experience(s), violence can put you into “survival mode,” making you hyper-sensitive to those around you. This defensive state is a natural response, preparing you to ‘fight’, ‘freeze’ or ‘flee.' This enables you to take care of yourself. Survival mode can change your mood, your outlook, and your sense of control. Your ability to manage impulses (i.e. food intake, shopping, sexual activity, substance use) may be impaired. You may avoid people, places or things. You may experience self-blame, distressing dreams, or waves of emotions with little warning. It’s also not uncommon to react to mild negative events in an emotionally exaggerated way. Some reactions to violent experiences can be significant enough to impact daily responsibilities.
Trauma doesn’t stay bottled up very well. Surviving interpersonal violence doesn’t have to dominate your life. Participation in therapy can help you understand your reactions to it. It can help you find ways to stay safe and identify steps to take to improve your management of daily thoughts and behaviors. Some positive outcomes of therapy include learning about the common reactions to traumatic experiences, recognizing the connections between thoughts, feelings and behaviors, learning healthy coping skills to handle stress, manage emotions and improve communication, increasing mental and/or emotional strength and acting on positive decisions, increasing personal confidence and self-esteem, improving relationships and engaging in positive social activities, and developing a sense of new opportunities or possibilities in life
What is Holding You Back from Starting Trauma Therapy for Interpersonal Violence?
Trauma-Informed Therapy May Not Be Right For You If You…
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Self-Injure (Cut, Purge, Deny Yourself Food, Bang Head, etc.)
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Have a Plan for Suicide or Have Had Recent Suicidal Behaviors
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Experience Psychotic Episodes
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Use Drugs and/or Alcohol Daily
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Live in an Unsafe Environment Where Engaging in Therapy Will Put You at Risk
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Have a Psychiatric Diagnosis That is Not Managed Well and/or You are Not Interested in Prescribed Medication
“There is strength in being vulnerable.”
Steven Berkowitz, Trauma Specialist
Therapy is a very personal and unique process. You will be identifying personal goals with your therapist and work on growth and healing. You will build a trusting relationship, sharing, learning new information and coping skills. These changes may trigger feelings of vulnerability. These could cause your ‘survival mode’ reaction. Healthy social supports (i.e., medication management, substance abuse counseling) may be beneficial. You will have greater success in therapy if you are in a stable starting place when you begin. Does this sound like where you’re at?
Other Mental Health Services at LifeSpring
Counseling for children and teens isn’t the only counseling service offered at our office. Our Greater Baltimore mental health counseling office also offers individual counseling services for adults and college students dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, interpersonal violence, and trauma. We also offer specialized counseling services including online therapy, Brainspotting, faith-based counseling, mindfulness-based counseling, and counseling in Chinese.
“Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”
Buddha
Written by: Melissa Cole, LCSW-C