Trauma Therapy In Ventura, CA

Coherence Therapy was developed by psychotherapists Bruce Ecker & Laurel Hulley. The magic behind Coherence Therapy is the concept of transformational change through Memory Reconsolidation.

The brain does not know time. As an adult we might have mysterious symptoms (panic, sadness, sensitivities, etc.)  that were formed long ago when we were children. The brain operates as if a danger learned long ago is still happening. Coherence Therapy guides the client in updating the brain so that the symptom ceases to continue.

As trauma therapists, Coherence Therapy informs how we conceptualize all our clients with trauma.

Somatic Experiencing  is a body based trauma therapy created by Dr. Peter Levine to help treat trauma and stress related disorders. The idea behind Somatic Experiencing is that overwhelming traumatic events can get “stuck” in the body, which can create a variety of symptoms. Somatic Experiencing helps the completion of the traumatic event, so that the brain and body learn that the event is over.

In Complex Trauma, there might be numerous scary or frightening events that happen over many years. This can result in nervous system dysregulation. Therefore, somatic therapy is key to help the nervous system learn to regulate. Importantly, we give you somatic tools to use between sessions to support your nervous System. 

Somatic Experiencing is an in-depth three year training that utilizes the body and nervous system in healing. 

EMDR is a an evidence based therapy for trauma. It uses bilateral eye movements to help process traumatic memories and negative core self beliefs. Negative core beliefs might be- I am not safe, I am not good enough, I am at fault, etc. Overall, it makes the trauma memories less impactful, helps with flashbacks, and makes emotions more adaptive.

Internal Family Systems is a powerful therapy created by psychologist Richard Schwartz. The premise of Internal Family Systems is that we are all made up of an inner family of Parts. You can also call these Parts, Ego States, sub-personalities. We have parts of us that help us, protect us. We have parts of us that are wounded and might hold anger, shame, or fear.

Additionally, we also have the “Self”. The Self is not actually a part but our true nature. Some might call this our Pure Self, our Buddha Nature, etc. In Internal Family Systems we help the wounded parts and work on being “Self Led”, rather than led by our parts.

Internal Family Systems shares similarities to Inner Child Therapy & Ego State Therapy. Studies have found it to be effective in the treatment of depression and chronic pain.

Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) is a neuroscience-based somatic therapy designed to process trauma. To summarize, it targets the deep brain regions (mid brain and brain stem) where shock is stored during traumatic events or attachment disruptions. Unresolved shock can contribute to various psychological and physical symptoms happening in the present day. Overall, DBR therapy helps release this stored shock trauma and body memories.

Many people know they had trauma but do not remember it. You do not need to remember your trauma to heal. We use many deeper brain therapies such as Coherence Therapy and Parts Work that help you go deeper. We also use somatic therapies like Deep Brain Reorienting which targets the subcortical brain where trauma responses live.

Many people are struggling with trauma symptoms like depression, anxiety, or mind-body syndromes. They are perplexed because they believe they had a normal childhood. Unfortunity, in therapy, many people find out that their childhood actually wasn’t very normal. If you are wondering if your childhood was normal, ask yourself- would I want my child or any child to grow up in the home that I did?

First off, we begin by taking time to understand your history, symptoms, and what brings you to trauma therapy. At the same time, we are careful not to push you to discuss anything before you’re ready. Building a sense of safety and trust is an important part of the process.

Depending on your needs, we may first focus on developing coping skills and nervous system regulation skills so you feel more grounded and safe before processing difficult memories. From there, we draw from a variety of trauma-focused therapies, tailoring treatment to your unique goals and experiences.

Lastly, trauma therapy is never about forcing yourself through painful memories. Healing happens at a pace that feels manageable and comfortable for you.