GUEST EDITORIAL

Unleashing Your Inner Strength Through Nervous System Focused Counseling

Learn to cope with your trauma, find closure, and overcome your trials and tribulations with supportive therapy best suited to you.

By Jasmine Habeeb, Clarity Therapy

 

 

 

Trauma is an experience that can affect you in a profound and lasting way. It can be caused by a variety of experiences, from an accident or illness to a traumatic event or violent crime.

Nervous system focused therapy is a form of counseling designed to help you process your traumas and move forward with your life.

 

What is Nervous System Focused Therapy?

Nervous system focused therapy is a type of counseling that uses somatic therapy and experiencing and biological and physiological indicators to support and nourish your nervous system with the intention of building your resilience to adversity. It is a form of psychotherapy that involves revisiting the event(s) as they are felt in different areas of your body, understanding the impact the event had on your mind and body, and exploring your options to cope, rewrite your story, and ultimately move forward. 

The goal of nervous system focused therapy is to help you learn to cope with the traumatic experience and find closure to look toward your future. It is a process of healing and growth that involves understanding your trauma, recognizing your emotions and reactions associated with it, and discovering new ways to adapt. Nervous system focused therapy is not only about dealing with the trauma, but also about learning how to be resilient and finding your sense of purpose.

 

Different Types of Traumas

Several different experiences, including physical, psychological, or emotional events can contribute to trauma symptoms. Some common types of traumas include:

 

• Exposure to violence or abuse
• Natural disasters
• Severe illness or injury
• Combat or war
• Accidents
• Death of a loved one

 

It is important to note that not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop trauma. However, for those who do, please seek professional help to manage any negative symptoms you may have.

 

The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Trauma can lead to a variety of symptoms, like depression, anxiety, irritability (mood swings), and substance abuse. Traumatic experiences can also lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and helplessness. These feelings can prevent you from living a full and meaningful life.

If left untreated, trauma can lead to long-term mental and physical health issues. You may have difficulty forming relationships, functioning in work or school, and managing your emotions. Therapy, in general, guides you through your trauma to recognize your signs and symptoms of being activated and teaches you how to overcome setbacks.

 

The Benefits of Nervous System Focused Counseling

Nervous system focused counseling can be beneficial to you if you are struggling to process your traumatic experiences. This form of therapy works with your automatic, gut reactions to help you understand their root cause and ultimately increase your ability to adapt. By focusing on regulating your nervous system, you might find it easier to connect with others.

Counseling, in general, can help you complete any unfinished business and find a sense of peace. It can also help you find a new perspective on life and turn the page in a positive direction. Through counseling, you get the opportunity to develop tools and skills to better manage your emotions, reactions to stress and find healthier ways to cope.

 

 

How to Heal from Trauma

Healing from trauma is a process – it is an emotional rollercoaster of a journey that has the potential to end with you understanding yourself better, loving yourself more, and prospering in life.

The process of healing from trauma can take time and requires patience and compassion with yourself. Here are a few tips for healing from trauma:

 

Acknowledge your feelings – Acknowledge your feelings and recognize the impact your trauma may have on them.

Reach out for help – Reach out for help when you feel overwhelmed. Whether from a trusted family member, friend, or trained mental health professional, ask for support and guidance as you process your trauma.

Find healthy ways to cope – Healthy activities include yoga, meditation, hiking, journaling, art, cooking, and playing an instrument.

Be patient – Healing from trauma can take time. It is important to be patient and compassionate with yourself. 

Recognize your progress – Look back at how far you have come often and remind yourself overcoming trauma takes time. You are doing great!

Find meaning – Making meaning puts your life into context… it supports your mind and body to integrate your experience to increase your resilience and perseverance.

 

 

 

If you have experienced a traumatic life event that changed your outlook on life, talk about it with someone. Although a trained mental health professional can provide calculated guidance and support during your process, trusted family members and friends are a great option too. If you feel like you need professional help to progress faster or more deliberately, schedule a call here.

 

 

Remember to be kind to yourself and practice self-compassion. With the support best suited for you, you can learn to cope with your trauma, find closure, and overcome your trials and tribulations.

 

 

Jasmine Habeeb, Clarity Therapy

 

 

 

 

 

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Repurposed Content | Jasmine Habeeb, Clarity Therapy

With additional editing by Mark Zuleger-Thyss, Garden of Healing LLC

Copyright © 2023 Clarity Therapy