Trauma

Trauma

Understanding Trauma: What Is Trauma?

As the word trauma has entered the popular lexicon, there has been an outsized focus on labeling experiences themselves as traumatic. While certain events are widely recognized as traumatic by nature—such as poverty, abuse, neglect, violence, and disaster—from a clinical standpoint, what matters most is how an individual’s internal state is altered by the experience.

This is true for events commonly referred to as “small t” traumas (e.g., divorce, job loss) as well as “big t” traumas (e.g., active combat, physical abuse). The impact of an event is not determined solely by the event itself, but by how it is processed and integrated by the person who experiences it.

An individual’s response to a potentially traumatic event is shaped by factors, including perceptions, expectations, distress tolerance, values, access to support and more. As a result, multiple people can live through the same event and be affected in vastly different ways.

When the emotional and psychological effects of an event persist long after the threat or stressor has resolved – and continue to interfere with wellbeing, functioning, or sense of safety – a trauma-related disorder may be present.

Common Trauma Symptoms

Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Memory gaps related to the traumatic event
Avoidance of reminders (people, places, conversations, etc.)
Dissociation or feeling detached from self or reality
Hypervigilance, heightened anxiety, irritability, or being easily startled
Sleep disturbances and unexplained physical symptoms
Persistent negative emotions (fear, anger, guilt, shame)
Reduced interest in activities, emotional numbness, or difficulty feeling joy
Negative changes in behavior or functioning
Comparison

Understanding the differences: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma-Related Distress

the tlc approach
Our approach to treating Trauma

Our approach to treating Trauma

True Life Center treats trauma disorders through an integrative approach that addresses psychological, physiological, and relational factors. We prioritize safety and symptom stabilization, teach skills to regulate the nervous system, and support gradual reengagement with daily life, relationships, purpose and joy.  

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Why Choose TLC for Trauma Treatment?

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Rigorous outpatient program with structured support
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Individualized, person-centered treatment plans
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Integrative clinical team across disciplines
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Cohesive model of care addressing mind, body, and relationships
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High ratio of one-on-one therapy sessions
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Trauma-informed bodywork and somatic interventions
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Support for sleep, nutrition, and restorative movement
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Psychiatric and medical oversight when indicated
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Ongoing therapy and support for loved ones
how we heal

Evidence Based Modalities We Use To Heal Trauma Include:

CBT

Integrative Psychiatry

Medication management informed by each individual's unique neurobiology...

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IFS

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Building skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthier relationships...

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Text LinkEFT

Lifestyle Medicine

Manage and optimize foundational health factors, habits, and behaviors...

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Biofeedback

Chinese Medicine

Restoring balance through time-honored Eastern healing philosophies and practices...

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MSBR

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce stress and emotional reactivity...

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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Program

Wondering what to expect? You’re not alone. We’ve got answers—and we’re here to talk through anything you’d like more information about.Contact Us, we’re here.

Does True Life Center Accept Insurance?

As part of our commitment to delivering exceptional and integrative mental health care, True Life operates as a private pay treatment provider, however, many of our patients receive partial reimbursement through PPO insurance plans. 

Each patient and family works directly with our concierge billing specialist, who submits courtesy claims and superbills to insurance on patients’ behalf, prepares and provides all required documentation for out-of-network claims, advocates for the maximum allowable reimbursement, and coordinates authorizations and doctor-to-doctor calls when necessary. Most importantly, our specialist provides transparency, accessibility, and ease to you along the treatment journey.

What Types of Care Are Included in The Program?

True Life Center offers an integrative mental health program combining carefully selected modalities from both Eastern and Western disciplines. Our approach brings together therapy, psychiatry, somatic practices, and lifestyle-based interventions under one coordinated plan. For an overview, please see our Complete Care Model graphic, or visit our Interventions page for a detailed breakdown of specific services.

What Mental Health Conditions Do You Treat?

True Life Center supports adults navigating a wide range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, grief and loss, chronic pain, life transitions, and more. Our integrative approach addresses not just the diagnosis, but the full experience of each patient. Visit our Treatment Specialties page for a complete list and to learn more about how our program can be tailored to your needs.

How Can I Get Started?

Starting your journey at True Life Center is simple. You can reach out via our confidential form, or give us a call and a dedicated team member will reach out to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help schedule you for a tour or initial assessment. Thanks to our boutique size, we are typically able to accommodate new patients quickly, so you can begin care without delay.

We’re here.And grateful to help on your healing journey.

Fill out this confidential form and a member of our admissions team will reach out with clarity and next steps.
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