Counseling for Childhood Trauma
& Sexual Abuse
in Kansas City
The physician & trauma expert, Gabor Maté, says, "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." When we experience something overwhelming, the response of those closest to us is the critical factor in determining whether we will be traumatized.
Too many of us have had overwhelming experiences followed by dismissal, punishment, shame, anger, or abandonment. Having nowhere to turn with our overwhelm, we store it in our bodies.
Trauma therapy involves establishing a foundation of trust, renegotiating traumatic experiences, moving through overwhelming feelings, and––crucially––providing the compassionate response that was missing when it was needed most. It's hard work, but you don't have to do it alone.
"Andrew makes navigating the hellscape of trauma somewhat bearable. He creates a space where I can be honest about even the most difficult parts of my life without making me feel as if I am beyond help. He is compassionate, honest, and steadfast when the work gets difficult. I am profoundly grateful for his presence and therapeutic acumen. 5 out of 5 stars. ★★★★★"
––Anonymous Client
Resources
When it comes to healing trauma, there's a limit to how far books and other sources of information can take us. That's because we read with the top layers of our brains while trauma, especially childhood trauma, lives further down in our nervous systems. Still, books can help provide a top-down roadmap that orients us while we engage in the bottom-up work of healing. These are some trusted resources for those who want to learn about trauma.