When trauma becomes overwhelming, individuals may find it difficult to move past the event, as the trauma remains "stuck" in their thoughts, memories, and body. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The emotional and psychological impacts of trauma are vast. They can deeply affect an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, often manifesting in ways that make daily functioning challenging. People who experience trauma may feel emotionally numb or disconnected, have difficulty trusting others, or find themselves unable to control intense emotions like anger, fear, or sadness.

Often, we are the ones holding ourselves back from opportunities and experiences that could truly benefit us, even if we don’t always realize it. Fear, uncertainty, and the challenge of breaking free from long-held beliefs can act as powerful barriers that prevent us from stepping into our fullest potential. Sometimes, the fear of the unknown can make it feel impossible to take that first step toward change, leaving us stuck in our comfort zones. We might feel paralyzed by the thought of what could go wrong or how our lives might be different. Even when we know that something needs to change, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative and integrative tool that views every human being as a system made up of protective and wounded inner parts, all guided by a central, healing Self.

Brain spotting is an innovative therapeutic approach grounded in the idea that trauma can become "stuck" in the body, creating disruptions in both physical and mental health. When someone experiences trauma, the brain's memory of that event may not be fully processed in the way it should. Instead, it can become trapped, preventing the natural healing process from occurring. This stuck memory or emotional wound can result in what David Grand, the creator of brain spotting, refers to as “frozen maladaptive homeostasis.” In simpler terms, trauma causes the body and mind to settle into a dysfunctional state of balance, where the normal flow of emotional and physical processing is blocked. This frozen state of unresolved trauma prevents the person from returning to a healthy, adaptive equilibrium, making it difficult for them to move forward.

Being a teen in Colorado, like anywhere, can be incredibly tough, especially in today’s world where pressures from school, social media, and personal challenges constantly build up. For many teens, the experience of trauma—whether it’s bullying, family stress, academic pressure, or social struggles—can leave a significant emotional and psychological mark. The mental health struggles faced by many teens are only amplified by the demands of today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world. Teens are constantly exposed to idealized images of life on social media, and the pressure to fit in, succeed, and constantly compare oneself to others can be overwhelming.