“Just get over it!” “Forgive and forget.” “Don’t live in the past.”
Maybe you’ve wanted to say something to a friend who keeps dwelling on something bad that happened long ago. Or maybe you’re the one who survived something horrible and have heard similar sentiments expressed by someone who was well-meaning, but didn’t realize how hurtful and confusing it could be.
Trauma can enter our lives in many ways. It can be the result of a horrible accident, of watching a loved one suffer or die, of being abused by someone we trusted, having been raped or molested — the list goes on and on. All too often, people try to bury that trauma deep inside, and it interferes with their ability to enjoy life and sustain positive relationships with others.
But there’s good news: you can heal from trauma. Even horrific trauma. That doesn’t mean pretending it didn’t happen or just “coping” with it and moving on. Healing from trauma involves acknowledging that it happened, but not being bound by it.
In simple terms, you are not your trauma. Trauma doesn’t define you or your future. It’s something that has happened to you. Yes, it happened and yes, it’s part of your story, but it isn’t the end of your story. You can be made whole again.
Our professional counselors have extensive training in working with people who have experienced all sorts of trauma in their lives. We know how difficult it can be to get through each day. We understand the triggers that can produce an overwhelming flood of memories that make you want to shut down and hide from the world. But that isn’t your destiny.
There is hope and there is grace. We can help you find both, so you can live the life you want. We’ll help you come to terms with what happened and give you practical strategies that will help you get past the low moments you’ll face now and again. Again, you are not your trauma. You no longer have to let it determine your life.
Ask us, and we’ll help you. There is hope.
