Trauma impacts us deeply and in complicated ways that alter our mental and physical health, inhibit our ability to function, and challenge our relationships with others and ourselves. Developmental trauma (happens in childhood over a longer period of time) is particularly impactful as it changes the way our nervous system and brain respond to the world. Developmental trauma often underlies diagnoses such as complex PTSD, panic disorder, OCD, ADHD, Adjustment Disorders, Addiction, Eating disorders, and can be a contributing factor to all mental health diagnoses. It can also be a contributing factor to physical health issues including autoimmune issues (Lupus, MS, RA, IBS, thyroid issues), cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders (Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS), chronic pain syndromes (Fibromyalgia, CFS), respiratory issues (Asthma), gastrointestinal disorders (IBS, Crohn’s), and sleep disorders (insomnia). As we collectively learn more about the impact of trauma and abuse on the developing brain and nervous system, there are more emerging treatment options that are not only trauma informed (trauma happens and impacts us) but can help heal the traumatized nervous system bringing long lasting relief and promote both mental and physical wellness.

At the base of trauma therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance. All healing happens within the safety of relationship through co-regulation (we are in this together and I will stay compassionate, curious, and calm, even if you are not). This is particularly important if we have grown up with a lack of parental co-regulation (caregivers who are explosive, criticizing, inattentive, neglectful, emotionally immature, and/or needy) . It takes time to build trust and therapeutic alliance in general, but this is especially true when co-regulation has not been safe or available in our lives. Long term therapy with a therapist that is an appropriate fit for you is best for trauma healing.

Along with a strong therapeutic alliance, there are several treatment modalities shown through research and therapeutic practice to heal the impacts of trauma. We work together in these modalities to change the responses of your nervous system (decreasing trauma triggers, rewiring negative cognitions and maladaptive coping, increasing sense of safety to decrease the overuse of fight/flight/freeze/fawn, and increasing sense of worth, value, connection, and self compassion).

At Bonfire Healing, we utilize a 3 factor approach to personalized trauma healing:

• Building and maintaining therapeutic relationship - We truly believe that we are in this healing together and working on ourselves is the greatest part of our collective humanity. We honor a commitment to doing our own work so we can show up for you in regulated ways that feel safe, compassionate, nonjudgemental, and connected with appropriate therapeutic boundaries.

• Assessing the need for immediate coping and life skills - We acknowledge the benefit of having a “tool box” for coping. This can include internal resourcing, grounding, containment, communicating, and finding social support that is readily available and practiced in and out of therapy. We stay up to date on training in skill based modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) along with offering groups and peer support.

• Processing Trauma in a way that provides safety and healing - We believe that everyone can heal and focus on consent driven processing (we offer direction with context and you decide what, how, and when you process). We are trained and stay up to date on changes with consultation through professional organizations in trauma treatment modalities including:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) approved trainings

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS) through the IFS institute.

  • Somatic Experiencing rooted in Polyvagal Theory through Somatic Experiencing International and the Polyvagal Institute.

We look forward to connecting with you and sharing in your journey of healing together!