Meeting With a Trauma Therapist in Illinois. Take Advantage of In-person or with Online Therapy
Trauma may occur following loss and grief in a variety of settings and circumstances. Loss and grief following the death of loved ones are typically spoken about. However, loss and grief can be the result of many situations, resulting in sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, anger, and a sense of having no emotional control. Some experiences treated by your trauma therapist, but not limited to, may be:
- Physical Abuse or Sexual Abuse
- Career Changes or Career Loses
- Moving Transitions
- Losing Loved Ones or Pets
- Destruction Due to Storms, Fires
- Accidents And Medical Issues
- Financial Hardships
- First Responders
- Divorce or Separation
- Witnessing/Knowledge of Tragedy
The list is endless. Loss and grief can co-occur with many of life’s challenges. When trauma is continually happening over time, it is complex trauma. When circumstances occurred can be long ago, historically, or current. Sometimes, new situations in life will create a memory of the past that reacts as if it is in the here and now. This trauma can be historical or current. When trauma continues without treatment, it may manifest into Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder, meaning an accompaniment of symptoms of dissociation and startle responses.
Benefits Of Seeing a Trauma Therapist, And Why We Are a Leading Trauma Therapist in Illinois
Learning coping strategies to confront and work through the symptoms present in trauma begins with learning the first signs of awareness in one’s body. For example, trauma symptoms can be a gnawing feeling in the stomach, tense shoulders or chest, headaches, or a tightness in the body. Acknowledging the nonverbal reactivity helps provide a method to unpack a memory. Often the bodily symptoms are a memory of experiencing the trauma firsthand, in the past.
Secondly, processing verbally aids in further understanding and unpacking trauma in the here and now. This may be talking about the messages resulting from past trauma. Often clients repeat negative messages such as, “I should have, I wished I had, What’s wrong with me” …and so forth.
Trauma treatment is acknowledging, nonverbally and verbally, that grief and loss are present and can be quieted with therapy in a respectful space and time.
Trauma Therapy with Traditional Modalities and Animal-Assisted Therapy
Respecting each client’s narrative of their experiences begins the journey for healing. Treatment explores the emotional and physical toll of loss and grief and strategizes small steps for change. For example, addressing daily functioning needs is paramount, such as coping strategies for sleeping, reducing anxiety that occurs with memories, and setting time for grief and loss responses, such as a time to allow for tears, fears, and or anger.
The setting can begin with animal-assisted therapy or in an office setting. Both settings provide an environment that is comfortable, soothing, and confidential. The farm with animals provides a safe arena for touching, walking, or working with an animal while processing trauma. For example, imagine holding a bunny, while talking about missing a loved one or walking a horse over an obstacle created of poles and cones that represent some of the areas in one’s life when trauma is most present.
The office setting is serene, quiet, and unobtrusive. The space provides a comfortable sitting area while talking about how to move ahead from grief and loss. Like grounding techniques at the farm, practicing mindfulness deep breathing, and creating goals for small steps, a day at a time is utilized.
Treatment can be a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Solution-Focus, Brief Therapy, Grounding Techniques, and Mindfulness.
Meet Your Trauma Therapists in Illinois
Dr. Sandra Kakacek, LCPC, received her master’s degree in counseling four decades ago and a doctorate in counselor education and supervision in 2010, continuing their work in providing mental health wellness to clients, specializing in many areas. Throughout these years, and prior as a counselor, trauma treatment has been a continual focus with clients, as well as presenting and conducting workshops 40+ times.
Dr. Sandra Kakacek’s background includes experiences as a prior special education consultant, supervisor, and family counselor for schools. Additionally, prior to having their own private practice, Dr. Kakacek worked for two groups of psychiatrists. Dr. Kakacek works with individuals, couples, families, and groups of all ages, ethnicities, and races.
Ms. Kaitlyn Twardzik, MS Ed., completed their training in February 2024 for a master’s in clinical mental health counseling. Ms. Twardzik is also an ABA registered behavioral technician with children and a trainer for staff. Ms. Twardzik has been a technician since their rehabilitation degree 13 years ago. They also have been working with equines since they were a young child. Their breadth of knowledge as a co-therapist continues to enrich all clients.