Understanding Trauma
Effective Treatment Options and Support

Trauma can take many forms, but with a common theme of overwhelming memories and sensations from past events that feel inescapable (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbing, hypervigilance).

Living with trauma can isolating and exhausting. Traditional talk therapy can make trauma worse by creating cycles which reactivate difficult experiences without a clear resolution.

With the correct diagnosis and approach, trauma is treatable.

At ScienceWorks, we use evidence-based strategies to break the cycle of trauma and help you Live Better.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a brain response, not an event. We can experience trauma as a response to isolated events or extended circumstances like medical treatment, job stress, relationships, racial/cultural/identity prejudice, and others.

Family/social rejection or neglect associated with undiagnosed ADHD and/or Autism is also a common source of trauma.

Trauma can produce intense and unexpected intrusions in daily life. These intrusions are trauma, they are not you.

With the effective treatment, you can regain happiness and control.

Trauma by the numbers

Up to 70% of adults experience a traumatic event during their lifetime. Of those people, ~20% develop an adverse psychological response - making trauma one of the most common causes of mental health disorders.

Nearly 80% of people with PTSD or probable PTSD have co-occurring conditions such as Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Chronic Pain, or Substance Use.

PTSD is ~3x more likely in women. The prevalence of PTSD is also significantly higher for non-white and LGBTQ+ folks.

Untreated PTSD greatly increases the probability of unemployment and has been found to be a more significant driver of unemployment than one's level of education.

Trauma disorders respond well to cognitive therapy, with consistent treatment significantly reducing symptoms in 77%+ of recipients.

With specialized treatments like EMDR, the success rate is even higher with 93%+ of individuals reporting the elimination or reduction of trauma symptoms.

Effective Trauma Therapy
Pathways to Recovery and Wellness

Trauma is more than Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is often associated with a range of co-occurring conditions that must also be addressed to treat the core trauma and promote holistic wellness.

We'll conduct a comprehensive diagnostic assessment to understand the full scope of your needs and create a custom treatment plan that uses science-backed strategies to align each individual need with a specific therapeutic approach.

Learn More About Trauma and Co-occurring Conditions

Specialized Treatment
We use modern evidence-based treatments that are gentle, accessible, and efficient.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT approaches, which include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) help you recognize how past experiences distort your present thinking.

By identifying thought patterns that maintain distress, you'll learn practical skills to challenge these perceptions, process memories safely, and reclaim control over your reactions.

Provided By

Kiesa

Catherine

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR can be a preferable alternative to other therapies because EMDR requires minimal talking or discussion.

EMDR helps your brain naturally reprocess disturbing memories through guided bilateral stimulation in a controlled manner.

This transforms how memories are stored, reducing their emotional charge.

Provided By

Dr. Kelly has received advanced training in EMDR and continues to improve her skills through research and consultation.

Kiesa

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT for trauma teaches you to meet difficult memories with purpose and compassion rather than avoidance.

By developing mindfulness skills and connecting with your core values, you'll learn to move beyond past experiences without letting them control your choices.

Provided By

Kiesa

Catherine

Complete Care

Treating Trauma means treating all of you. Our custom treatment plans include targeted therapies for co-occurring conditions to provide a comprehensive and effective therapy experience.

...with OCD

More than half of people with OCD are believed to have some form of trauma.

We are trained in OCD-focused therapies like ERP and I-CBT which can be gently integrated with Trauma-focused work.

This dynamic combination will help set you on the path to recovery when both trauma and OCD are present.

Provided By

Kiesa

Catherine

...with AUTISM and/or ADHD

Being misunderstood by neurotypical family members, peers, employers, medical providers can be traumatizing - especially when ADHD and/or Autism are undiagnosed.

An assessment and diagnosis can be an important first step.

We offer neuroaffirming therapy with compassion and lived experience.

Provided By

Kiesa

Catherine

Your well-being is our top priority. If your needs fall outside of our expertise, we'll provide a referral from our professional network.

Trauma Symptoms*

Emotional

Persistent feelings of sadness, fear, or anxiety
Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected
Difficulty feeling positive emotions
Overwhelming guilt or shame
Irritability or angry outbursts
Feeling emotionally overwhelmed by minor stressors

Physical

Sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares)
Startling easily or being hypervigilant
Fatigue or low energy
Muscle tension or physical pain
Digestive issues
Rapid heartbeat or breathing when reminded of difficult events

Cognitive

Intrusive, unwanted memories of a specific event or period of time
Flashbacks (feeling as if the trauma is happening again)
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Memory problems
Negative beliefs about yourself or the world
Feeling like you're in constant danger

Behavioral

Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
Withdrawing from friends and family
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Self-destructive behavior
Substance use to cope with difficult emotions
Changes in eating patterns

If you are experiencing any of the above, therapy may be able to help.

*For example purposes only. Trauma can overlap with, or mimic, a variety of conditions - which is why it's essential to consult with an experienced professional.