Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) in NYC

We specialize in Trauma Resiliency Model in NYC

Traumatic experiences always have an impact on us. Oftentimes, these impacts manifest as emotional changes or responses, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and anger. Effects of trauma include a physical and physiological manner including a dysregulation of your nervous system.

We’re talking about how your body reacts to stress and traumatic triggers and how this can ultimately affect your healing journey.

Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) is a gentle body-mind therapy that does not require the telling of any trauma story. TRM instead focuses on building skills that help individuals self-regulate and cope with the effects of trauma. TRM, developed by Elaine Miller-Karas and developed further by the Trauma Resource Institute, draws on neuroscience, somatic psychology, and indigenous healing practices.

The approach is based on the importance of the body in the experience and resolution of trauma. It recognizes that your mind is not the only one negatively affected by trauma but that it is stored in the body and that body work can help you alleviate the symptoms of trauma and resolve long term trauma.

The goal of TRM is to help you develop skills to manage and regulate emotional and body response promoting a sense of safety and empowerment.

Trauma Resiliency Model can help people with:

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Grief

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Different kinds of trauma 

• Decreasing physical and psychological discomfort

Therapists using the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) employ a variety of techniques and interventions to help clients navigate and recover from trauma.

Here are some ways therapists may assist clients with trauma using TRM:

• Assessment and Psychoeducation:
  • Therapists start by assessing the client’s history, experiences, and current symptoms related to trauma.
  • Psychoeducation is provided to help clients understand the impact of trauma on the nervous system and overall well-being.
• Building a Therapeutic Alliance:
  • Establishing a trusting and supportive therapeutic alliance is crucial in TRM.
  • Therapists create a safe space for clients to share their experiences, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration.
• Window of Tolerance Exploration:
  • Therapists work with clients to identify their individual “Window of Tolerance,” helping them recognize when they are within or outside this optimal range of arousal.
  • Clients learn strategies to self-regulate and bring themselves back into their Window of Tolerance.
• Teaching Grounding Techniques:
  • Grounding techniques are introduced to help clients stay present in the moment and connected to their environment.
  • Therapists may teach clients to use sensory experiences or physical anchors to ground themselves during moments of distress.
• Mindfulness Practices:
  • Mindfulness is integrated into therapy to help clients develop present-moment awareness.
  • Clients learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, fostering a non-reactive and accepting attitude.
• Breathwork and Regulation:
  • Therapists guide clients in breathwork exercises to regulate the autonomic nervous system.
  • Breathwork helps clients manage arousal levels and promote relaxation.
• Somatic Exploration:
  • Therapists encourage clients to explore and track bodily sensations associated with trauma.
  • This somatic exploration facilitates the release and completion of stored traumatic energy.
• Pendulation Techniques:
  • Pendulation involves shifting attention between sensations of safety and those associated with stress or trauma.
  • Therapists guide clients through this process to titrate and regulate the intensity of their experiences.
• Resourcing:
  • Therapists help clients identify and activate internal and external resources for support.
  • Exploring positive memories, relationships, or activities contributes to a sense of safety and well-being.
• Resiliency Zones Model:
  • Therapists introduce the Resiliency Zones model to help clients categorize their arousal states.
  • Clients learn to recognize their zone (Green, Yellow, or Red) and apply appropriate skills for self-regulation.
• Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Therapists using TRM are attentive to cultural factors and adapt interventions to different cultural contexts.
  • Cultural sensitivity is emphasized to ensure that therapy is inclusive and respectful of individual differences.