What Happens in Trauma Therapy? A Guide from a Trauma Therapist in Houston
Trauma is everywhere. That’s a scary thought. But because most people know what trauma is, it is important to understand the process of healing one’s trauma through therapy.
There is a growing need for specialized trauma therapists in Houston, because the world is getting harsher and harsher. People are no longer willing to suffer in silence- which is AMAZING!
But sometimes, seeking help for the trauma that has you in a chokehold feels scary. You might have heard horror stories about people who have gone to therapy. Or maybe your mama has warned you to never tell strangers your business.
And as an adult woman, you might also feel like you are way too busy to spend about 1 hour each week talking through trauma.
Today I’m about to help silence your fears and give you some insight into what trauma therapy actually is.
The good news is that trauma therapy doesn’t have to involve a whole lot of time and a whole lot of talking. With unique and cutting edge therapies like brainspotting, you can finally work through your trauma in less time than traditional trauma therapies.
Regardless of what type of therapy you embark on, there will be an element of apprehension. It comes with the territory. But luckily, a very skilled trauma therapist can have you feeling safe and comfortable in very little time.
What Does Trauma Therapy Involve?
Trauma therapy might sound big and scary, but it might not be as bad as you imagine. The first step in trauma therapy is finding a therapist you are comfortable with.
How will you know when you find them? You’ll know. It’s the feeling of “She gets me and I feel safe with her.” Trust your gut always.
Your first session would probably be an assessment session. Your therapist would ask about previous experiences in therapy, what your social life looks like, your upbringing, maybe some childhood experiences, your family life, what brings you into therapy, what you’re looking to get out of therapy, your educational background and work life, your emotional health, physical health and a whole lot more.
Why do we do this?
Because trauma therapy is not cookie cutter. When I know you better, it gives me insight into how to better help you.
During the second session this is when I first introduce brainspotting- which in my opinion, is a much more powerful and effective way to process trauma than traditional talk therapy. The main difference is that with brainspotting, we literally jump straight into the trauma during the second session. Why waste time?
With the power of eye movements and some strategic guidance on my part, I am able to help you access exactly where those emotions and experiences have been trapped in your brain- all in under an hour.
But with talk therapy, it might take multiple sessions before you are able to access the things that have been locked in the recesses of your brain. At first glance, brainspotting might seem a bit harsher than talk therapy, but it gets the work done faster.
There is also no guessing. In traditional talk therapy, your therapist has to gently coax memories out of you. None of that exists during brainspotting. Your brain will naturally guide you to where you need to go- thereby boosting your confidence too.
The Role of a Trauma Therapist in Houston: Guiding You Through Your Healing Journey
My job as a trauma therapist is to be your guide. Although you and I might have different educational backgrounds, I believe that you know yourself better than anyone else. Yes, I am a mental health expert, but you are the expert of your own brain and body.
I understand the unique needs of women, because oftentimes we don’t have the luxury of time to sit still and take care of our own mental health needs.
So in the under 1 hour that you work with me, my job is to help you prioritize yourself, validate yourself, find safety and help give you the tools so that you can continue to function as the high performing woman that you are.
I specifically love that brainspotting is so empowering to women. It helps you feel like you belong in your own body again. You are no longer frightened by the difficult memories. You learn how to ask for what you want, to comfort yourself when you need it, and to express emotions appropriately.
Brainspotting helps you get your power back, because we know that trauma could have you feeling completely weak and stuck.
How Brainspotting Works: A Deeper Look into Trauma Therapy
Brainspotting basically helps stop overthinking, over rationalizing and can help connect you to the more emotional part of your brain. When one goes through trauma, sometimes you shut off the emotional part of you in order to protect yourself. But a fully functioning woman deserves to have full access to both her thoughts and her emotions.
Let’s learn a bit of brain science.
Most of us are engaging the frontal cortex when we talk, when we make everyday decisions. But we typically neglect the emotional centers. But with brainspotting, the frontal cortex gets to take a break (no more overthinking), so that you can have access to the deeper areas of the brain where your emotions are (and where trauma is stored).
Why is this helpful?
Because traumatic emotions literally make you feel like you are trapped. When you are able to access these emotions at a deeper level and digest them, you can be set free from the pain of trauma.
What to Expect During Your First Session with a Trauma Therapist in Houston
After the assessment session that I mentioned previously, you are now ready to begin brainspotting. Yup! Just like that. You don’t need fancy prep work.
The second session is where I introduce brainspotting. You’ll decide what issue or memory you would like as the target of the session. Then I’ll ask you what emotions are coming up for you and where you sense it in your body (brainspotting is really great for helping improve your mind-body connection).
Once this is done, I take a step back and allow you to see what comes up.
It will feel like you are taking a series of wild turns in your brain. Some people talk through it, while others are silent. But it will feel like your thoughts are moving rapidly until you find a resolution. And yes, you will eventually reach a point in the brainspotting session where you feel like you have digested the issue.
Just. Like. That.
If you’ve never experienced brainspotting, I realize this will all sound wacko. But once you experience it, it makes all the sense in the world.
Is Trauma Therapy Right for You? Finding the Best Trauma Therapist in Houston
Now brainspotting feels remarkably different from traditional trauma therapy. For one, your therapist won’t be doing a whole lot of talking. Instead, you will be given the space to explore the emotions as they naturally come up.
I do have to say brainspotting can feel intense, but once you get all the emotions out, the catharsis is HUGE. Some clients say they had the best sleep of their lives after a brainspotting session.
If you are ready to trust the process and truly heal from trauma, then it might be the right type of therapy for you.
Now, on to choosing the right trauma therapist in Houston.
Go with someone whom you feel will listen to you, guide you and will match your general vibe. Ensure that they actually do have training in some type of modality that deals with trauma.
Before selecting a therapist, go through their website, ask to schedule a consultation call so that you can get a sense of their personality. Because if it’s not a cultural fit, it just won’t work.
What do I mean by cultural fit?
For example, when working with me, I literally don’t care how you dress. Show up in a bonnet, a blanket and some pajamas, and I’m fine, as long as you are cozy.
I also inject a lot of slang, laughter and lightness into sessions. Sure we’re working on trauma, but we have to live right? Yup! I also understand the unique needs of immigrants, Christian women, first gen folks and highly sensitive people. So I weave all of this into my work with you.
Ready to take the next step in your healing journey with a trauma therapist in Houston? Click here to book your free consult call for brainspotting trauma therapy and reclaim your life today!
About Me
My name is Ibinye Osibodu-Onyali. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and Texas. I help women who are struggling with trauma, anxiety and insomnia.
I also help couples learn how to speak each other’s language, date each other again and manage conflict in a non-painful way.
Many of my clients are:
