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somatic trauma therapy

We provide trauma therapy in Thousand Oaks. 

 

Our bodies remember the experiences we have been through. When we have strong unwanted emotional reactions to situations in the present, or engage in behaviors we don’t want to participate in,  this can be due to unprocessed trauma. Trauma can be the more extreme events such as physical abuse, neglect, sexual assault, the sudden or unexpected loss of a loved one, but it can also be less obvious experiences like not feeling accepted, being bullied, or having emotionally unavailable parents, or alcoholic/narcissistic parents. Unresolved trauma can impact us in the present through depression, anxiety, overwhelm, intense emotional reactions to current stressors, and somatic experiences like migraines, digestive issues, and autoimmune issues. Resolving the trauma allows the present symptoms to dissipate so you can be present and enjoy your life more. 

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All of the clinicians at solstice work with trauma utilizing the different modalities below. 

We also treat children who have experienced trauma. 

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Brainspotting

 

Brainspotting harnesses and taps into the body’s natural ability to heal. It is a neurophysiological therapy, meaning that it promotes healing in your brain and body, resulting in positive psychological impacts.

 

Brainspotting (BSP) locates points in the client’s visual field that help to access unprocessed trauma in the subcortical brain. This goes deeper than traditional talk therapy because it heals in the more primal "fight or flight" area of your brain which leads to subsequent changes in your neocortex, or"thinking" part of your brain. This helps resolve symptoms and reactions that might feel "automatic" or out of your control. When a Brainspot is stimulated, the deep brain appears to reflexively signal the therapist that the source of the problem has been found. BSP can also be used to find and strengthen our natural resources and resilience.  Expansion Brainspotting is effective in enhancing performance and strengthening desired states of being. Expansion Brainspots have amazing healing potential.

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Rachel and Danny offer Brainspotting. 

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EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based treatment that helps people heal from the effects of traumatic experiences. It is based on the adaptive information processing model which suggests that the cause for distress is the way memories are stored in the brain and body. EMDR helps memories move from being stored in painful (maladaptive) ways to being stored in healthy (adaptive) ways. Maladaptively stored memories cause physical symptoms, unhelpful behaviors, and overwhelming emotional distress, Adaptively stored memories are the basis for healthy functioning and resilience.

Maggie and Rachel offer EMDR.

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Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapies allow you to process stuck emotions that are stored in the body.  Rather than just talking about your experiences and feelings, you process them and feel them as they arise in the session which leads to deeper resolution and relief. Mindful awareness is utilized to witness somatic sensations in the moment to allow them to be released. 

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Sara utilizes Somatic Experiencing. 

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