PTSD and Childhood Trauma Therapy

Understanding Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

What is Trauma? A Definition Beyond the Event‍

Trauma is any terrifying event (or series of events) that fundamentally changes the world as we know it, leaving us questioning our place in it, feeling helpless, and emotionally overwhelmed. It’s not just what happened, but how your mind and body responded and continue to hold that experience.

Common Types of Trauma & Related Conditions‍

While trauma can manifest in various ways, our expertise focuses on conditions like:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, negative changes in thoughts/mood, and hyperarousal following a traumatic event.
• Complex Post-Traumatic Stress (C-PTSD): Although not an official standalone diagnosis in the DSM-5, C-PTSD is widely recognized for its severe and persistent impact, especially from prolonged or repeated trauma (often in childhood). It typically involves:
  1. Problems in emotional regulation (feeling out of control of your emotions).
  2. Beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated, or worthless, often accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, or failure related to the traumatic events.
  3. Difficulties in sustaining relationships and feeling close to others.

Is Lingering Trauma Affecting Your Life? Signs You Might Need Help

Recognizing the Impact of Trauma & PTSD

If you find yourself experiencing any of the following, our specialized PTSD therapy can provide crucial support:

• Severe and persistent problems in emotional regulation or feeling out of control of your emotions.
• Beliefs about oneself as diminished, defeated, or worthless, accompanied by feelings of shame, guilt, or failure related to what happened to you.
• Difficulties in sustaining relationships and feeling close to others.
• A desire to avoid people, places, things associated with what happened or that remind you of the event.
• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks to the traumatic event.
• Feelings of anger, irritability, and hypervigilance.
• Aggressive and/or reckless behavior, including self-harm.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable.
• Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event.
• Significant change in habits or behavior since the trauma.‍

‍Our Approach: Healing Trauma with Evidence-Based & Body-Centered Therapies

Our Modalities & Techniques for Trauma Recovery‍

At Compassion Works, we employ a range of highly effective modalities to help you process and heal from trauma, ensuring a comprehensive and personalized approach:

• SAFE EMDR (Somatic and Attachment Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A powerful, body-centered approach to resolve trauma.
• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): An evidence-based therapy to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories safely.
• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT): Addresses cognitive and behavioral patterns linked to trauma.
• Polyvagal Theory: Understanding your nervous system for improved regulation and safety.
• Nervous System Regulation Training: Practical skills to calm your body's stress response.
• Somatic Tools: Focusing on bodily sensations to release trapped trauma.
• Mindfulness: For present-moment awareness and grounding.

Why Our Approach Works: Integrating Mind, Body, and Research‍

Unlike traditional 'talk therapy' alone, our approach understands that trauma is stored in the body as well as the mind. While talking can offer insight, true resolution often requires tapping into the body’s natural healing system. Numerous studies have demonstrated that TF-CBT and EMDR are highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Research indicates that many patients experience significant relief from distressing symptoms, such as flashbacks and intrusive memories, often within a few sessions. The additional modalities we use complement these evidence-based therapies, offering a variety of options and aiding your unique recovery process by addressing your whole self.

Why Compassion Works: Your Partner in Specialized Trauma Recovery‍

When facing the complex journey of trauma recovery, choosing the right support is paramount. At Compassion Works, our specialized approach ensures profound healing and lasting change:

Authentic Empathy & Lived Understanding‍

We connect with your struggles because our compassionate approach is rooted in genuine understanding and personal healing journeys. Our founder, Shanna Drury, LPC, deeply understands the impact of childhood trauma and family pathology, bringing an authentic empathy born from her own path of transformation. We know the courage it takes to heal, and we're here to walk alongside you.

Comprehensive & Integrated Care‍

Our expertise combines cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies with holistic, body-centered techniques. We don't just treat symptoms; we integrate modalities like EMDR and Somatic Tools to address how trauma is held in your mind and body, providing a more complete path to healing.

Local Understanding & Flexible Access

We offer compassionate PTSD therapy in Frisco, TX, providing a consistent in-person space for healing. For those throughout Texas, including Sugar Land, Houston, and Dallas, our secure virtual therapy ensures you receive expert trauma care from the comfort and privacy of your own home, making specialized support accessible wherever you are.

Trauma Does Not Have to Define Your Life. Start Healing Today.

Trauma does not have to run your life or ruin your relationships any longer. You deserve to heal, find peace, and live fully. Take the courageous step towards reclaiming control of your life. We are here to support, guide, and assist you in your recovery.