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THERAPY FOR TRAUMA

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Have you or a loved one survived a traumatic life event?  Are the memories of what happened coming back through flashbacks or nightmares?  Do you feel like you have lost your sense of safety, control, and hope?

 

I am here for you.

 

My name is Devin Dutson, LCSW, and I provide trauma therapy for teens and adults from all over the Pleasant Grove area (Lehi, American Fork, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, Salem, Payson, and beyond), as well as online therapy for people all over Utah.  Compass Mental Health Services is dedicated to helping people just like you find freedom from the past by offering outstanding therapeutic support. 

 

If you are ready to get started, contact me today.  To learn more about trauma and how therapists treat it, read on!

 

Do I need therapy for trauma?

 

Most people think that “trauma” only happens to combat veterans. 

 

However, people go through traumatic experiences all the time:

  • Abuse or domestic violence

  • Car accidents

  • Natural disasters

  • Combat experience and police brutality

  • Near-death experiences (e.g., heart attacks)

  • Assault and other crimes

  • Toxic or manipulative relationships

  • Bullying or harassment

  • And more

 

All of these are examples of experiences that can be traumatizing.  In fact, sometimes we can be traumatized simply by witnessing a traumatic event happen to someone else. 

 

Trauma happens all too often, and yet not all of us are affected the same way.  Sometimes, we are able to recover and move on soon after the event.  But usually, traumatic events affect us long afterward through posttraumatic stress.

 

Posttraumatic stress is the mind’s reaction to surviving a disturbing, horrific, or unthinkable event, and the symptoms are fairly easy to recognize:

 

 

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When symptoms like these are severe enough, a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is given.  Although not all people who go through trauma meet full criteria for PTSD, posttraumatic stress can derail an otherwise happy, healthy life.  Thankfully, therapy can help people just like you overcome symptoms of posttraumatic stress.

 

How does therapy for trauma work?

 

Psychological trauma is similar to physical trauma.

 

When we experience physical trauma (or injury), the body goes through intense pain and shock.  Over time, the body does its best to heal and repair itself.  If the injury is too severe, or if the body doesn’t heal properly, then professional intervention is needed.

 

When we experience psychological trauma, the mind is flooded with intense emotions – fear, rage, terror, and more.  We need those feelings in order to survive the traumatic event; they are designed to keep us safe at that moment.  However, after the trauma has ended, the mind sometimes struggles to recover, heal, and properly process what happened.  And that’s where therapy comes in.

 

Therapy for trauma offers a chance to work through the pain of old wounds in a safe, supportive, evidence-based manner.  You can make sense of your experience, decrease reactivity to reminders (or triggers), and learn to reconnect with yourself.  Therapy provides an opportunity to move forward from the past so that you can live better today and plan for a better tomorrow. 

 

What is therapy for trauma like with Devin?

 

I am here for you.

 

All therapy sessions are completely confidential. I am able to hold therapy sessions online for safety and convenience at this time, if that is preferable to you.   You and I will work collaboratively to help you reach your goals as efficiently and effectively as possible.  I strive to help you feel understood, supported, and cared for as you work to enhance your wellbeing. 

 

I want to help you understand the underlying thoughts and feelings that hold you back from the life you want.  I want to help you process negativity, unload from stress, and reach a place of freedom.  I want to help you find direction and purpose despite the challenges that life has thrown your way. 

 

As you make progress in therapy for trauma, you can learn to:

  • Reduce sensitivity to traumatic triggers

  • Have hope for the future

  • Regain your sense of safety

  • Be productive and motivated

  • Connect with yourself and others

  • Relax the mind and body

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Let’s Find Your Compass.

 

It’s more than just a name. 

 

Too many of us feel lost, stagnant, and uncertain.  I founded Compass Mental Health Services because everyone deserves a chance to find their purpose, their mission in life.  I want to help make that happen. 

 

Are you interested in signing up for your first session?  Don’t wait!  I would love to hear from you.

 

I work with teens and adults from all over Utah: Pleasant Grove, Lehi, American Fork, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, Salem, Payson, and beyond. 

 

If you have questions or would like further details, let me know!    

 

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Office Location:

1404 West State Rd. Room 205
Pleasant Grove UT 84062

 

Office Phone:

307-254-3407

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