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 connected as a contributing factor with all mental health diagnoses. 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 wellness.

At the base of all trauma therapy is a strong therapeutic alliance because healing happens within the safety of relationship through co-regulation (we are in this together and I will stay compassionate and calm even if you are not). This is particularly important because lack of parental co-regulation (caregivers who are explosive, criticizing, inattentive, and/or emotionally needy) is often part of developmental trauma. It takes time time to build trust and therapeutic alliance in general, but this is especially true when co-regulation has not always been safe in our lives. This is one of the reasons that long term therapy is recommended for trauma healing.

Along with a strong therapeutic alliance, there are several treatment modalities shown through research and years of therapeutic practice to heal the impacts of trauma through changing the responses of your nervous system (decreasing trauma triggers, rewiring overuse of fight/flight/freeze/fawn, and increasing sense of worth, value, connection, and self compassion).

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

• Building and maintaining therapeutic relationship - We truly believe that we are in this healing together. We honor a commitment to doing our own work so we can show up in regulated ways that feel safe, compassionate, connected, and nonjudgemental.

• Assessing need for immediate coping and life skills - We acknowledge the benefit of having a tool box for coping and finding social support that is readily available. We stay up to date on training in skill based modalities, particularly Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

• Processing Trauma in a way that provides safety and healing - We believe that everyone can heal. We are trained 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, and Somatic Experiencing rooted in Polyvagal Theory through Somatic Experiencing International. We stay up to date on changes through professional consultation and continued trainings.

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