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Exploring Trauma

Big T Trauma

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with universally recognized life-threatening events such as earthquakes, plane crashes, violent assaults, etc. Events such as these are known as “Big T” trauma. Also under the umbrella of “Big T” trauma is Complex Trauma or Developmental Trauma. Examples include child abuse, sexual abuse and substance dependence and may occur throughout a lifetime.

Little t Trauma

There is another realm of trauma-“Little T” trauma- which can, if unrecognized and/or unaddressed, have significant impact on your capacity to enjoy life. This landscape of “smaller,” yet significant, trauma can include such seemingly every day circumstances as family conflict, legal or financial difficulties, infidelity, parental aging, loneliness, divorce, academic failure, strife in the workplace, etc. Many of us have experienced several such challenges in our lifetimes, without realizing the cumulative impact on body, mind and spirit. And because we want to be strong, we may never name our suffering, or recognize the extent to which our sense of vitality, well-being, creativity and resilience has been eroded.

 

Providing a space to safely and gently explore your life’s hardships and traumas.

 

It doesn’t matter which category of trauma is your experience. All past trauma can reveal itself in the present day under the guise of anxiety, depression, and in troubled relationships-robbing you of the ability to take pleasure in your day-to-day experiences.

Unexplored and unresolved trauma and pain can block the pursuit of your dreams and career goals, hinder your establishing and sustaining loving relationships, and overcoming your fears. Our door is open to you-helping you to find new perspectives and a positive path forward in your life.

Janis Forgetta

LMFT

“Healing doesn’t mean the pain never existed.
It means the damage no longer controls our lives.”
~Unknown

 

It is rare that a person can get through life without experiencing trauma. It could be a more obvious kind of trauma, such as a physical assault, an accident, or a natural disaster. Or it can be more subtle, one of betrayals, childhood fears, or painful relationships. This pain can affect us throughout the entirety of our lives. If left unhealed, these distresses of the past inhibit insight, feelings of worth, resilience, and self-expression. They appear again and again every time we feel stuck, anxious, triggered, or overwhelmed. By healing the past, we clear our way to experiencing joy in the present moment and hope for our future. My method of treatment is client-centered and collaborative, with an emphasis on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and other complementary approaches. I consider myself privileged to accompany you on your journey toward healing, well-being, and self-confidence.