Marin County Psychologist Unpacks Trauma
by Dr. Denise Renye
Helping people to heal from trauma is one of my passions as a Marin County psychologist. Recently I attended a workshop with Dr. Janina Fisher, a renowned trauma specialist and psychologist, who says, "Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body." This insightful quote encapsulates the profound and lasting impact that trauma can have on an individual's entire being. It also highlights how trauma is not something that is only past tense as it’s evidence shows up presently in the body and in relationships.
Trauma is multifaceted. It’s more than a singular event and instead permeates every aspect of a person's existence. It leaves an indelible mark on their psyche, neurological pathways, and physical well-being. This imprint manifests in various ways and influences thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and even physiological responses.
Dr. Fisher's emphasis on the imprint of trauma underscores the complexity of healing from such experiences. Addressing trauma necessitates more than simply recalling the event; it requires acknowledging and processing the intricate layers of its impact on the mind, brain, and body. This holistic approach to trauma treatment recognizes the interconnectedness of psychological, neurological, and physiological systems.
It's for this reason that in my work as a Marin County psychologist and Bay Area yoga therapist that I bring in somatic techniques. By addressing the bodily manifestations of trauma, such as tension, dissociation, or hypervigilance, you can begin to release the physiological remnants of your traumatic experiences. This somatic approach complements traditional talk therapy by providing avenues for accessing and processing trauma stored in the body.
Again, because the body is where trauma is stored, that means trauma is not solely confined to the past; it reverberates through every facet of your being because you move through the world in your body. Every experience you have first goes through the body, afterall as infants we were perhaps the most embodied most of us will ever be in this lifetime. It’s what we knew before language. Understanding and addressing this imprint requires a comprehensive approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of the lived experience of the whole person. It’s something I emphasize in my practice as a Marin County psychologist and why my business is called “Whole Person Integration and Psychology.”
By embracing this holistic perspective, my patients and clients embark on a journey toward healing and reclaiming wholeness in the aftermath of trauma. That could mean rediscovering parts of themselves such as their inner children. It could also mean encountering the unconscious through dreamwork. Perhaps the rediscovery is something as simple as reading for pleasure again. Whatever it is, healing from trauma requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the whole person.
Something I strive for in my practice as a Marin County psychologist, which is also essential in healing, is creating a safe and supportive environment for my patients and clients to explore and process their experiences without judgment or pressure. An alliance is created whereby the people I work with know I’m supporting them on their journey as an advocate. I do this through evidence-based interventions such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Through EMDR and other somatic-based interventions, I support the people I work with in reprocessing traumatic memories, regulating their emotions, and cultivating a sense of safety in their bodies. Outside the consulting room, I encourage self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and physical exercise. These all play a crucial role in promoting relaxation, grounding, and resilience.
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation, however, so it’s also important to foster connections with supportive relationships and communities. Doing so can provide validation, understanding, and a sense of belonging, which are essential components of healing from trauma.
Ultimately though, the journey of healing is unique to each individual and it requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to self-discovery and growth. If that sounds like something you’re interested in, get in touch.
In addition to being a Marin County psychologist, I’m also a Marin County sex therapist and offer holistic coaching globally. Contact me about working together.