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trauma recovery

Trauma presents in many â€‹forms. It can be a single-incident event (such as a hate crime) or an ongoing series of events (such as family violence and rejections). Any experience that threatens life or bodily integrity can be a trauma - including "big-T" and "little-T" events.

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Healing is possible. Resiliency can be restored and solidified. Post-traumatic growth can occur.

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You are believed. You are seen. Your story matters. Your voice is heard.

An old blue teddy bear abandoned on the ground

 

  • Religious-based trauma
     

  • Familial rejection & identity refusal
     

  • Conversion therapy 
     

  • Power-based personal violence

    • Sexual violence​

    • Intimate partner violence

    • Stalking & harassment

    • Bullying at school or work
       

  • Identity-based discrimination

    • Minority stressors​

    • Microaggressions

    • Transphobia & TERFs

    • Homophobia & biphobia

    • Political violence & rhetoric

    • Hate crimes
       

  • Medical trauma​

    • Discrimination by providers​

    • Medical procedures & recovery

    • Issues during substance use, eating disorder, and general psychiatric treatment

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This list is designed as a sample of types of trauma. Any experience that a client determines as traumatizing matters & is worth exploring further.

Types of trauma

Safety & containment

Image by Sixteen Miles Out

  • Establish a safe, comfortable space

    • Meditation activity

    • Creative expression

    • Mindfulness exercises
       

  • Develop a container to hold distressing thoughts & images associated with trauma
     

  • ​Acknowledge challenges of safety in a homophobic, transphobic world

    • Processing minority stressors ​

    • Safety planning, as needed

    • Identifying supportive people & places

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Healing-centered engagement

Image by Fadi Xd

  • Trauma-informed care as a minimum standard of care
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  • Intersectional identities matter, such as:

    • Race & ethnicity

    • Gender identity & sexual orientation

    • Ability status

    • Religion & spirituality

    • Socioeconomic status & citizenship​
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  • Individual & collective healing
     

  • Explores the role of "-isms" on trauma & recovery

EMDR: EYe movement desensitization & Reprocessing

Image by Caleb Minear

  • Eight-phase process for addressing trauma

    • Virtual: dot-tracking & tapping

    • In-person: hand, tapping, or buzzers​
       

  • Resource development & future planning
     

  • Protocols for eating disorder recovery
     

  • Protocols adapted for 2SLGBTQQIA+ clients

Understanding trauma

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