Questions? Call us at (469) 552-6610 Waxahachie, TX
Trauma Therapy & EMDR
Trauma Therapy in Ellis County
Trauma can affect how you think, feel, respond, and connect with others long after a difficult experience has ended. You may understand logically that you are safe, yet still feel anxious, guarded, overwhelmed, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that are difficult to change.
At Tree of Life Counseling Center, we provide compassionate, trauma-informed counseling to help adolescents and adults process painful experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and move toward greater emotional freedom.
Our therapists offer a safe, supportive environment where you can work through trauma at a pace that feels manageable. You will not be pressured to share every detail of your experiences before you are ready.
What Trauma Therapy Can Help With
Trauma therapy may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
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Childhood trauma or neglect
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Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
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Relationship trauma or betrayal
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Domestic violence
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Sexual trauma
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Religious trauma or church hurt
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Medical trauma
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Traumatic grief and loss
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Accidents or life-threatening experiences
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First responder or occupational trauma
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Difficult family-of-origin experiences
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Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
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Shame, guilt, or low self-worth
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Emotional numbness or disconnection
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Intrusive memories or nightmares
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Difficulty trusting others
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Strong emotional reactions or triggers
Trauma does not have to involve one catastrophic event. Repeated emotional wounds, instability, neglect, criticism, or painful relationship experiences can also affect the nervous system and shape how a person experiences the world.
Our Approach
Trauma treatment should be personalized, collaborative, and paced carefully. Our therapists focus on helping clients feel safe, understood, and prepared before beginning deeper trauma processing.
Depending on your needs and your therapist’s training, treatment may include:
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EMDR Therapy
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Trauma-Informed Care
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Mindfulness and grounding skills
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Emotional regulation techniques
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Nervous system education
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Parts-based interventions
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Attachment-focused therapy
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Faith integration, when requested
For clients who desire it, Christian faith may also be incorporated into trauma therapy. Faith integration is always based on your preferences and is never required.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories and experiences that may feel emotionally unresolved.
During EMDR therapy, your therapist will guide you through a structured process while using bilateral stimulation. This may involve guided eye movements, alternating taps, or sounds that move from one side of the body to the other.
EMDR does not erase memories or make you forget what happened. Instead, it can help reduce the emotional intensity connected to a memory so that it feels more like something that happened in the past rather than something you are continuing to relive in the present.
What To Expect
During your first sessions, your therapist will spend time learning about your concerns, history, symptoms, and goals for treatment. You will not be expected to begin processing traumatic memories immediately.
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Before trauma processing begins, your therapist may help you develop grounding skills, emotional regulation strategies, and internal resources to help you feel more stable and prepared.
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If EMDR is appropriate for your needs, your therapist will explain each step of the process and work collaboratively with you. You remain aware and in control throughout the session and can pause at any time.
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The length of trauma therapy varies depending on your experiences, current symptoms, support system, and treatment goals. Healing is not rushed, and progress does not look the same for everyone.
Therapists That Offer Trauma Therapy
At Tree of Life Counseling Center, our trauma therapists understand that healing requires trust, safety, and a strong therapeutic relationship. Each therapist brings unique experience, training, and specialties to help clients find the support that best fits their needs.
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The following therapists provide Trauma Therapy::
Cristin Lewis EMDR-certified
Katie Cionca, EMDR-trained
Erin Solomon, EMDR-trained
Alyssa Navarro
Take The First Step
You don't have to have everything figured out before starting counseling. Sometimes the hardest step is simply reaching out.
If you're ready to begin your healing journey, we'd be honored to help. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward hope, healing, and lasting change.