The programs are for any adult who is a survivor of childhood trauma.
A traumatic event is any kind of significant event that has emotional, psychological, or physical impact. This can be any kind of painful event such as:
Trauma isn't just sexual abuse. Seventy percent of Americans have at least one traumatic event during their childhood, which could be characterized as an experience of vulnerability or powerlessness. Trauma comes from the lingering effects of a traumatic event. Some people have resources and support, and, over time, they recover. But other people don't seem to recover. They get stuck, and they continue to suffer for years, and even decades, after the event occurred.
Effects of trauma include, but are not limited to:
You are not "crazy." Our various programs help you to understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behavior now and what happened when you were a child. Can I get better? Absolutely! But you must do the work to make it happen. No one else can do it for you. You can learn and improve skills that will assist you to recover and live a healthier and more satisfying life. And you are not alone! More than 1000 people in southwest Michigan have completed one of our programs.
In most programs, a small group of trauma survivors (6-10) meets for a series of sessions in a private comfortable setting. The group is led by two trained facilitators or mental health professionals, and sometimes a religious helper (priest, deacon, or sister). Some programs are conducted virtually. There is also a program that you can download and do on your own (RENEW or RENOVARSE).
NO! You will have a chance to tell one of the facilitators as much or as little as you choose. Some survivors find it helpful to tell their story; others do not. It is your choice. However, in the group you are not permitted to tell your history. Telling your history is not helpful to your healing process, and it can be upsetting to others in the group.
All of TRA's programs are free of charge.
This is a wealth of information you can explore on the website here or you can call Trauma Recovery Associates at 269.459.2121. Talking to us is not a commitment.
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