Ep63: Exploring Trauma: From Understanding to Healing with Therapist Jessica Van der Merwe

Things You Learn in Therapy

What happens when trauma imprints itself onto your brain? How can we navigate the intricacies of our own healing journey? Join us as we grapple with these questions alongside Jessica Van der Merwe, a highly skilled mental health counselor and certified brain spotting therapist. Our discussion takes us deep into the world of trauma, dissecting its many forms from standalone traumatic events to ongoing, complex trauma. Jessica unravels the ways our early relationships with caregivers can shape and impact us, and passionately advocates for the destigmatization of trauma to pave the way for more open, healing conversations.
Trauma has a curious way of lodging itself within the limbic system of our brains, where memories, emotions, and non-verbal experiences reside. As we explore this intricate process with Jessica, we gain an understanding of how trauma can render a person feeling overwhelmed or unnerved by their own triggers. But it's not all doom and gloom — Jessica emphasizes the power of awareness as the first step on the path to recovery, reminding us that healing is a journey, often slow-paced yet continually forward-moving.
Jessica equips us with strategies for building self-trust and fostering empathy during the therapeutic process. We delve into the role of the prefrontal lobes in cultivating curiosity, and the importance of bringing a wise, adult self to this journey. Wrapping up, Jessica shares her valuable insights on how to initiate the healing process from trauma, emphasizing the importance of understanding our body's reactions and acknowledging the crucial role of trust. Tune in for a powerful conversation and prepare to commence (or continue!) your healing journey.
Jessica Van der Merwe, LMHC, LPC

Certified Brainspotting Therapist
http://proteacounselingpnw.com

Phone: [phone]

Vancouver, WA 98684

Existing clients can request appointments here: https://jessica-van-der-merwe.clientsecure.me/

If you are experiencing an emotional or suicidal crisis, call or text 988

Additional resources: https://www.speakingofsuicide.com/resources/
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