Where does depression come from? Are we born with it, or is it a product of life experiences. At the Trauma and Beyond Center ® we believe that most mental health problems have a basis in both biological as well as environmental influences. There may be a biological predisposition, but it is our early environment which determines which genes will be expressed. We look at depression through the lens of both nature and nurture. So often, the depression is a symptom of early mis-attunement, attachment wounds, or maladaptive learned emotional patterns. To heal from depression, a certified trauma professional can treat not only the depression, but the underlying root causes. We believe that often childhood or other trauma can be hidden deep at the core of depression and other mental health problems.
Trauma Informed Therapy
The idea beyond our trauma focused therapy is that we recognize the impact that trauma can have on a person’s life. At the Trauma and Beyond Center ®, we understand that trauma informs human development, experiences, perception and importantly human relationships. Many times, patients come to us and say something like: “I’m depressed and I don’t know why” or “I don’t get why I’m sad all of the time.” Our trauma informed therapy looks at the underlying development and relational history. Often we find trauma.
Developmental Trauma
It’s difficult to overstate the effect that trauma, particularly developmental trauma, can have on a person’s life. Trauma that’s experienced during critical developmental periods of a person’s life can greatly impact practically every facet of their life. It can be instrumental in forming their sense of self, and how they see the world. What makes this all the more insidious is that a person most likely won’t be aware that this has happened. They may just think “oh, I’m always like this” or “that’s just the way things are.” Really, they’ve been molded by life experiences and trauma they may have suffered during the developmental phases of their lives. We can help to develop new neuro-pathways, and to strengthen areas of resilience. Changing underlying patterns of response developed during critical periods can allow a wider range of emotions and aliveness and lead to a happier, more ultimately fulfilling life.
Safety First
Many of our new patients are very eager to begin trauma focused therapy sessions. Seeing this as a way to overcome the way they’ve been feeling for so long, they jump in, “head first,” wanting to work as quickly as possible. At the Trauma and Beyond Center ®, we always emphasize safety and trust. That means that we take extra special care not to re-traumatize anyone during the initial stages. Many people who are dealing with underlying traumas may not be consciously aware of them, and it takes experienced professionals to know how to work with a person in a way that is not re-traumatizing . All of our team of clinicians are highly trained and experienced in providing safe and effective trauma focused treatment.
Licensed and Certified Trauma Professional on Staff
We take great pride in having some of the absolute best, most highly qualified trauma professionals anywhere. When you contact us, we will discuss a plan based on your unique history and experiences. We can help to not only alleviate symptoms but to heal the underlying core issues at the root of psychological distress. To schedule a consultation, call (818) 651-0725.
