Joy Buchman

WHAT IS TRAUMA? Acute trauma: results from a single incident Chronic trauma: is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse Complex trauma: is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature CHILDREN Trauma effects communication. Children with difficulty attaching to caregivers, who have experienced abuse, trauma or witnessed something terrible (car accident, natural or man-made disaster, or even the loss of a parent through divorce) can exhibit behaviors that are concerning and difficult to handle for parents and teachers. These can be behaviors (throwing tantrums, disobeying, running away), social problems (fighting, kicking, biting, screaming, not having friends) or developmental problems (delayed speech, slow to meet milestones etc.). Behavior is the only way young children can communicate and even older children may not have the vocabulary to express themselves. "Play is the language of children and toys are their words" Gary Landreth Because play is the natural language of children it just makes sense to use it to help them give voice to what is going on inside. I use two types of therapeutic play therapy techniques with children one involves working with the caregiver and child together the other is working with the child alone, both are very effective. ADOLESCENTS Adolescence is a tumultuous time, with changes in hormones as well as physical appearances. Trauma experiences can multiply these difficulties exponentially, leading to higher chances for anxiety and depression. Through client-paced interactions, we offer a safe space for teens to reconnect with themselves, friends and family, in healthy and fulfilling ways. ADULTS I am passionate about empowering survivors with skills to mitigate the long-term effects of trauma. Abuse and trauma impact everyone differently but there are many similarities in the long-term effects. Because of this I have a unique ability to connect with survivors because I am one. Having struggled through my own therapy journey I am able to identify and empathize with others who have experienced abuse, neglect and trauma. My childhood experiences with neglect and sexual abuse led me to my purpose in life; to become a therapist to help prevent many of the long-term effects of trauma in the lives of children and empower adult survivors with skills to mitigate those effects. I work with clients who are experiencing the aftermath of trauma, neglect and abuse so, my therapeutic style is relational and based on individual needs. I utilize techniques to help develop coping strategies, emotional development, emotional regulation, self-confidence, self-esteem, and help build and strengthen the client’s relationship with God. I offer a free 30 minute consultation to give us an opportunity to meet each other and see if our working together would benefit you. Click on request an appointment to set up your consultation.