A Holistic Approach to Healing Trauma and Cultivating Mental Well-Being
Healing from trauma requires working at both the level of the nervous system and through insight-based and behavior-oriented cognitive approaches. Throughout this journey, we will explore a range of therapeutic techniques, including somatic and mindfulness practices that promote healing at the physiological level
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping clients understand how trauma impacts the survival part of their nervous system. This changes can lead to various symptoms like hypervigilance, depression, anxiety, and addiction. When a person begins to recognize that coping mechanisms developed as survival strategies at the time of the trauma, it can shift one’s perspective from self-judgment to self-compassion.”
-Emily Hackenburg, FNP
A Mind-Body Approach to Treatment
Traditional talk therapy is incredibly valuable for promoting introspection and increasing awareness of unconscious patterns and self-limiting beliefs. However, it can sometimes be limited in addressing the root causes of symptoms at a somatic level. Deep healing happens when you begin to connect with your body and process difficult emotions in a safe, supportive environment. A mind-body approach expands healing beyond cognitive understanding to embrace your entire being.
Somatic Awareness
Somatic awareness is a key part of the mind-body approach I use. It involves staying present when challenging emotions or sensations arise—like tightness in the chest when anxious, heaviness in the shoulders when stressed, or the weight of shame or grief. Recognizing these sensations and staying present creates internal space to facilitate deeper healing. Staying present and recognizing these sensations creates internal space to facilitate deeper healing.
The Healing Power of Sound
Sound therapy has been used for thousands of years to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Different frequencies resonate with different parts of your body and mind, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and balancing energy. Sound healing might also work through brainwave entrainment, where rhythmic sounds like drumming or singing bowls guide the brain into states of deep relaxation or heightened focus. Research suggests that sound healing can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and reduce pain, contributing to your overall wellness.
Unlocking the Healing Potential of Energy Practices
Energy practices like Reiki, acupuncture, and Qi Gong are believed to promote healing by balancing and enhancing your body’s energy flow—often referred to as "chi," "ki," or "prana." These practices aim to shift blockages in your energy field, restoring balance and harmony, and addressing both physical and emotional issues.
Meditation, Visualization, and Body Scans
I often recommend practices like meditation, visualization, and body scans because they engage both the mind and body, promoting relaxation, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. Techniques such as mindfulness meditation focus your attention on the present moment, often through breathing exercises or focusing on a specific object or thought. This can calm your mind, reduce stress, and lower anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Grounding Techniques and Staying Present
Grounding techniques help reconnect you to your body and immediate environment, offering relief from distressing emotions, thoughts, or sensations. They are especially helpful if you experience dissociation, helping to anchor you in the present moment. By focusing on sensory experiences, grounding exercises shift your attention into the “here and now”, rumination and reducing the impact of distressing thoughts.
Holistic Healing with Ketamine Therapy
There is an increasing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy for the treatment of multiple mental health conditions including: Depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, existential distress and more. Ketamine can be especially effective for treatment resistant conditions. When used responsibly under professional supervision, ketamine can help break down barriers and facilitate healing in ways that conventional therapies alone may not achieve. If you're considering Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy as part of your journey, I encourage you to schedule a session with our team to explore whether this approach might be right for you.