Trauma Therapy Counseling, Arlington Heights, IL

At Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, we understand that trauma can leave deep scars on an individual’s emotional and mental well-being. Our mission is to provide compassionate and expert care to those affected by trauma, helping them regain control over their lives and achieve lasting wellness.

Our team of highly qualified and experienced therapists is dedicated to guiding you through the healing process with personalized, and evidence-based approaches tailored to your specific traumatic experiences.

Understanding Trauma and its Impact on Mental Health

Physical and Psychological Effects of Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or series of events that can have lasting effects on an individual’s mental and physical health. Trauma symptoms present in many ways including, eating disorders, painful emotions, chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Mood disorders such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation may also be caused by trauma. It is essential to address both the physical and psychological symptoms of trauma to promote comprehensive healing.

Common Types of Trauma

Trauma can stem from numerous sources, each with unique impacts and challenges in the client’s daily life.

Acute trauma is the result of a single incident, such as an accident or a natural disaster. If a person is suffering from acute trauma, they may have difficulties with daily functioning because of extreme fear that the incident may occur again.

Chronic trauma stems from prolonged or repeated exposure to distressing events. Living in a war zone or experiencing abuse may inhibit the client’s coping skills, and result in the need for trauma recovery.

Complex trauma is a combination of multiple traumatic events, often involving interpersonal relationships, such as childhood abuse, and domestic violence.

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy and Counseling

At Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center, we utilize a multi-faceted approach to trauma therapy and counseling, ensuring that each client receives the most effective care possible. Our counseling center uses therapeutic interventions that are grounded in evidence-based practices. Our treatment process ensures that our clients benefit from the most current and effective treatments available.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps clients identify and change negative thoughts and behavior patterns. Therapists will talk through the client’s anxiety and trauma with compassion, delivering insight into the client’s experiences, and helping them develop the natural ability for emotional regulation.

With the EMDR approach (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), clients will relive traumatic stress, while in a safe space, with specific eye movements that may help rewrite the trauma narrative, which aids in processing traumatic memories.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is specifically designed for children and adolescents to address trauma-related symptoms. This specific type of pediatric psychotherapy can help children develop self-esteem and heal through their traumatic experiences.

Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on teaching coping skills to manage stress concerns and regulate emotions, preventing depression caused by trauma.

Narrative therapy encourages clients to reframe their personal narratives, giving them a sense of control over their life and story.

Highly Qualified and Experienced Therapists and Unique Treatment Plans

Our team of therapists have extensive experience working with trauma patients. With specialized training and diverse backgrounds, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a compassionate approach to their practice. We recognize that each person’s experience with trauma is unique, and personal growth is different for each client. We create individualized treatment plans that are tailored to each client’s specific needs, goals, and past.

In addition to evidence-based therapy, we integrate various therapeutic techniques to provide a holistic approach to treatment. This may include somatic experiencing, mindfulness practices, and expressive art therapy. By integrating multiple treatment modalities, we aim to address trauma from every angle, promoting comprehensive healing and recovery.

Specialties Within Trauma Therapy and Counseling Services

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can present after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks, extreme anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Our PTSD therapists are skilled in treating complex PTSD, helping clients manage their symptoms and reclaim their old way of life.

Childhood Trauma

Early life crises can have a profound and lasting effect on an individual’s development and mental health. We offer specialized therapy designed to help children process and heal from their past experiences.

Grief and Loss

The loss of a loved one can be a traumatic experience, leading to profound grief and emotional pain. Our therapists provide compassionate support to help individuals navigate their grief and find a path toward healing and positive change.

Anxiety and Depression

Trauma often contributes to the development of anxiety and depression. We offer targeted therapy to address these conditions, helping individuals manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

Domestic Abuse and Violence

Survivors of domestic violence face unique challenges in their healing journey. Each therapist at our center provides a safe and supportive environment to help survivors process and heal from their unique suffering.

Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

At our center, we prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for our clients. Trauma-informed care involves recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and understanding paths to recovery.

Empowerment is a core component of trauma-informed care, and we work collaboratively with each individual, providing them with the tools needed to take control of their lives and healing process, and deal with their repressed feelings.

Effective therapy goes beyond symptom management. We strive to address the underlying causes of trauma, helping clients gain insight into their experiences and develop healthier coping mechanisms.