Healing from Trauma
“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change
you do choose.”
Michelle Rosenthall
Healing is a lifelong process and we are honoured that our clients choose Victoria Wellness as a part of their healing journey. We take a trauma-informed and holistic approach to mental health and overall wellness, so our program focuses on empowering the whole person mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
We provide ample opportunities for you to gain new skills that will allow you to experience wellness in all areas of your life. We provide a structured and supportive community environment that will encourage you to practice these new skills and we will challenge you to examine and change life-long patterns of thoughts and behaviours that do not support health and well-being.
At Victoria Wellness, we believe that many mental health issues are deeply rooted in trauma, particularly childhood trauma. Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in this field, has extensively discussed how early traumatic experiences can lead to various mental health conditions in adulthood, such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and PTSD.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a response to an intensely stressful event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It is not just the event itself, but how the individual experiences and internalizes it. Trauma can result from a single incident, such as an accident or assault, or from prolonged exposure to distressing situations, such as ongoing emotional abuse or neglect[1].
When a person experiences trauma, their brain and body react to the perceived threat by activating the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is meant to protect the individual in dangerous situations, but when triggered repeatedly or for prolonged periods, it can lead to lasting changes in the brain and body[2]. These changes can affect how a person processes emotions, responds to stress, and interacts with others.
The Impact of Childhood Trauma
Dr. Gabor Maté explains that childhood trauma is particularly impactful because it occurs during critical periods of brain development. Early traumatic experiences can disrupt the normal development of the brain’s stress response systems, leading to heightened sensitivity to stress and difficulties in emotional regulation[3]. This often manifests as mental health conditions in adulthood, where individuals may struggle with feelings of fear, shame, and unworthiness.
Childhood trauma can stem from various sources, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect, loss of a parent, or witnessing violence. These experiences can leave deep imprints on a child’s psyche, shaping their worldview and influencing their behavior and relationships throughout life[4].
Healing Through the Four Body System
At Victoria Wellness, we utilize the Four Body System to address the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of healing. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of an individual’s well-being are considered and nurtured.
- Mental Body: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Neurofeedback are key modalities we use to help clients reframe negative thought patterns and improve cognitive function. HeartMath techniques also support mental health by synchronizing heart and brain rhythms, enhancing emotional regulation and cognitive performance.
- Physical Body: Physical health is supported through Yoga, Dolphin Neurostim, and various outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Our nutrition-informed menu, prepared by our executive chef, ensures that clients receive balanced meals that support overall physical health.
- Emotional Body: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Expressive Arts Therapy provide tools for emotional regulation and expression. Reiki and Healing Touch Massage help release emotional blockages and promote relaxation and emotional balance.
- Spiritual Body: Mindfulness practices and the use of our outdoor labyrinth for walking meditation foster spiritual growth and inner peace. Ecotherapy, which involves spending time in nature, enhances spiritual well-being and a sense of interconnectedness.
Integrating Modalities for Comprehensive Healing
By integrating these modalities, we create a comprehensive and personalized healing plan for each client. For example:
- CBT and HeartMath: Combining these techniques can help clients achieve mental clarity and emotional regulation, addressing both the mental and emotional bodies.
- Yoga and Dolphin Neurostim: Practicing yoga alongside Dolphin Neurostim treatments can improve physical health and manage pain, benefiting the physical body.
- Expressive Arts and Reiki: Engaging in creative activities while receiving Reiki can support emotional expression and spiritual connection, addressing the emotional and spiritual bodies.
- Outdoor Activities and Ecotherapy: Participating in outdoor activities can enhance physical fitness and provide a sense of connection to nature, supporting the physical and spiritual bodies.