Session 1: What Is Trauma?

In our first session, you will get the “bigger picture” details of this therapy group—the structure, definitions of different types of trauma, boundaries / creation of “safe space”, and even a “group safety plan.” You will learn the basics of how trauma affects our bodies, brains, and nervous systems.

Session 2: Family Dynamics

In our second session, you will learn some theories around family systems—including how much trauma gets passed down intergenerationally, the DV model of the “cycle of violence,” vicarious trauma, parentified children, survivor’s guilt, and more.

Session 3: Attachment Theory

In our third session, you will start to understand what “attachment theory” is, how attachment trauma can happen in childhood, and how it can be healed—even in adulthood. You will be given a quiz to determine your own attachment style—which can still affect ALL of your adult relationships.

Session 4: Shame and Addictions

In our fourth session, you will learn the difference between healthy vs. unhealthy coping skills, why we soothe or medicate our feelings, and how trauma and shame, perfectionism and imposter syndrome all play a role in the development of addictions, eating d/os, self-harm, and suicidality.

____________________________________________________________

Session 5: Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

In our fifth session, you will define and discuss your trauma triggers, learn techniques for regulating your nervous system (vs. getting dysregulated), and learn to make healthier choices to stop cycles of abuse in your life.

Session 6: Tools for Healing from Trauma

In our sixth session, you will learn a variety of techniques for grounding yourself in your body (vs. dissociating), mindfulness and meditation, deep breathing and relaxation. You will be treated to a guided visualization and asked to practice using some of these healing tools during the week.

Session 7: Evaluating Tools for Healing (Roadblocks and Realizations)

In our seventh session, you will report back to the group which healing tools worked best for you, process resistances, and do other self-analysis.

Session 8: Boundaries and Self-Care

In our eighth session, you will learn about the importance of boundaries (around your time, space, body) in self-soothing, regulating emotions, and practicing healthy coping skills, tools, and techniques. Practicing self-care also helps build back up your self-esteem and self-confidence.

____________________________________________________________

Session 9: Reframing Your Trauma Narrative

In our ninth session, you will meet your inner child, have compassion for your younger traumatized self, learn how to shift in your life from Victim ⇒ Survivor ⇒Thriver—and the Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) you can experience when you turn your PAIN into POWER!

Session 10: Trauma Diagnoses and Treatment Modalities

In our tenth session, you will learn about various trauma-related clinical diagnoses and trauma treatment modalities—including time to answer any questions you have about your or loved ones’ diagnosis/treatment.

Session 11: Communal Trauma and Collective Healing

In our eleventh session, you will gain a bigger perspective on trauma that happens on communal, societal, or even global levels (like the recent pandemic)—and ways you can help spread hope for healing.

Session 12: A New Hope: Visioning for the Future

In our twelfth and final session, you will share any reflections on the 12-week journey you’ve been on with your fellow therapy group participants, share your progress made, your wins and gains, and any insights you will be taking back into your life as you continue on your own path of healing from trauma.

Trauma Group—Recommended Reading:

Healing From Trauma: A Therapist’s Guided Prompt Journal (by Stara Shakti)

(This reading will be used throughout sessions and is highly recommended for success)

And also....

Coping with Trauma | The Body Keeps Score | Women’s Guide to Self-Care

All readings available for purchase on our website (StaraShaktiLMFT.com) OR Amazon.