Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

by Sarah Jayne Oltz, MS, NCC, CTP (Accepting New Clients!)

Trauma can permeate every aspect of a person’s identity including sexuality (an individual’s desires, behaviors, feelings, and attitudes related to sex and physical intimacy) and gender (one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither). The intersection of trauma with these deeply personal aspects of self can create complex challenges, influencing how one perceives oneself and interacts with the world. For some individuals, trauma may exacerbate feelings of dysphoria (a profound sense of unease and dissatisfaction) or confusion about their sexuality and gender. This could stem from experiences of invalidation or violence based on their gender identity, further complicating their journey towards self-acceptance.

LGBTQIA+ Trauma

For individuals who are already marginalized based on their sexuality and gender identity, such as those who identify as LGBTQIA+, trauma can compound feelings of alienation and fear. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face specific challenges related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and the societal discrimination and violence they endure, creating a cycle of vulnerability and distress.

1. Identity-based Trauma: Many LGBTQIA+ individuals experience trauma directly related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can include bullying, harassment, familial rejection, or violence. Such experiences can profoundly affect their sense of safety and self-worth.
2. Internalized Shame and Stigma: Society’s pervasive heteronormative and cisnormative attitudes can lead LGBTQIA+ individuals to internalize shame about their identities. This internalized stigma can manifest as self-hatred, low self-esteem, or even self-destructive behaviors, exacerbating the impact of trauma.
3. Discrimination and Violence: LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately at risk of experiencing discrimination and violence due to their identities. Hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and denial of healthcare services based on sexual orientation or gender identity are all too common, contributing to a heightened sense of vulnerability and trauma.

Intersectionality

The experience of trauma within the LGBTQIA+ community is further complicated by intersectionality—the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and disability. It is essential to acknowledge the intersectional experience of LGBTQIA+ individuals who also belong to other marginalized groups, and that the trauma they face may be compounded by systemic racism and discrimination within both LGBTQIA+ and mainstream communities.

Healing and Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy tailored to the unique experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals can be instrumental in fostering healing and empowerment. By affirming identities, addressing internalized stigma, processing identity-based trauma, exploring intersectional experiences, building coping skills, advocating for clients, and creating safe spaces, therapists can support LGBTQIA+ individuals on their journey toward healing and empowerment. Through compassionate and affirming care, trauma therapy helps clients reclaim their narratives, cultivate resilience, and thrive authentically.

Specifically, experiential modalities such as EMDR, psychodrama, IFS, body-based work, and therapy groups can be especially impactful for addressing the complexity of trauma. Experiential trauma therapy encompasses a range of techniques that engage clients in activities or processes designed to access and process traumatic memories and emotions. Unlike traditional talk therapy, experiential methods focus on the sensory and emotional aspects of trauma, aiming to create transformative healing experiences.

Hope For The Future

Despite the challenges posed by trauma, many individuals find strength and liberation in their journeys towards self-discovery and healing. The process of integrating traumatic experiences with one’s gender and sexual identity can be empowering, leading to a deeper understanding and acceptance of oneself.

When trauma intersects with gender and sexuality, the resulting challenges can be profound, but so too can be the opportunities for post-traumatic growth. Cultivating inclusive and affirming environments, advocating for systemic change, and fostering community support are critical steps toward creating a society where all LGBTQIA+ individuals can thrive authentically and free from the burdens of trauma. Together, we can work towards a future where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feels safe, valued, and empowered to live their truth.

At the Phoenix Center, we offer an affirming space for LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking trauma therapy. Our approach is rooted in understanding and validating your unique experiences, creating a supportive environment where you can explore healing without fear of judgment. Take the step towards healing with us, where your identity is celebrated and your healing process is personalized to meet your needs.

Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

Learn more about Sarah Jayne and their approach to trauma therapy for LGBTQIA+ communities here.

Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

Do you ever find yourself grappling with feelings of depression and anxiety, unsure of where they stem from? While there can be various factors contributing to these mental health challenges, it’s essential to consider the role that past trauma or adversity may play in your present experience of anxiety or depression.

Traumatic experiences or adverse childhood events can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being, often leading to long-lasting effects that manifest as depression and anxiety in adulthood. These experiences can range from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to neglect, loss of a loved one, growing up in a chaotic environment, or experiencing discrimination based on your identity.

When we experience trauma or adversity, our brains and bodies undergo significant changes as part of the body’s natural response to stress. These changes can alter the way we perceive and respond to future stressors, leading to heightened levels of anxiety and a persistent sense of sadness or hopelessness characteristic of depression. There is a growing body of research showing a connection between depression and anxiety with past trauma or childhood adversity.

It’s essential to recognize that experiencing depression and anxiety as a result of past trauma or adversity is not a sign of weakness but rather a natural response to overwhelming circumstances. Seeking support from a qualified mental health professional who specializes in trauma therapy can be instrumental in understanding and addressing the underlying factors contributing to your experience of anxiety or depression.

Through trauma therapy, individuals can learn to process and cope with traumatic memories, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim a sense of control over their lives. Trauma recovery provides us with the tools needed to cope with anxiety, or resolve the original sources of anxiety, while empowering us to rise from our depression.

If you resonate with the idea that past trauma or adversity may be fueling your depression and anxiety, know that you are not alone, and help is available. By acknowledging and addressing the impact of past experiences on your mental health, you can take significant steps toward healing and rebuilding a fulfilling life.

Remember, healing is a journey, and it’s okay to seek support along the way. You deserve to live a life free from past trauma and adversity, where joy, peace, growth, and resilience can thrive.

Offering Trauma Therapy at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or Online!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

We are Hiring and Intake Coordinator at the Phoenix Center!

Intake Coordinator Role and Expectations

Our growing trauma therapy practice is seeking an efficient, consistent, empathetic, and detail-oriented Intake Coordinator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience in administrative support, strong organizational skills, and the ability to multitask. This position requires a confident professional who can work independently, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others to ensure the smooth functioning of the practice. This position is diverse in its skill requirements including aspects of clinical assessment, crisis intervention, suicide assessment, networking, marketing, admin, customer service, and coordinating with our staff. This hybrid position requires some in-person hours but is flexible.

This is a part-time position (20 hours per week employee) with flexible hours and could evolve into full-time hours in the future if desired. We are seeking a long-term committed professional that we can invest in, train, and welcome as part of our close-knit organization. This non-benefits eligible position has an hourly range between $22-30 depending on applicant’s experience and skill set.

As an organization of trauma therapists, we place considerable emphasis on meaningful work relationships, work-life balance, and self-care. As a smaller and quickly growing organization, we are expanding our inner organizational processes and seeking a professional who can actively contribute to our growth with creative ideas. This role is an important part of our team, managing and coordinating many essential organizational tasks and processes. As our organization continues to expand, the responsibilities, leadership, and compensation with this role will also expand. Below are some of the duties of the Intake coordinator:

Admin and Customer Service 

• Help maintain and coordinate logs for intake calls, therapist/intern client availability, and trusted referrals in the community
• Track trends in intake demands and communicate with Director
• Communicate with potential clients via phone/email
• Maintains ‘on call’ hours to respond to intake calls as they come in
• Responds to missed calls and emails
• Updates website to reflect therapists availability 
• Attend occasional community events to represent and promote our organization and meet with community partners as needed
• Maintain relationships with referral partners 
• Engage in in outreach to develop new community partners

Clinical

• Provide brief intake calls with prospective clients to gather info related to their treatment goals, preferences, presenting issues, emotional stability, and financial limitations. 
• Promoting our therapists, interns, groups, and workshops to callers
• Relaying necessary clinical and logistical info from intake call to therapist or interns for initial session
• Assessment for clinical appropriateness and level of care
• Suicide assessments as needed
• Child abuse reporting as needed
• Crisis management as needed
• Referring clients to outside providers when appropriate 
• Maintaining list of trusted referrals 

Other requirements

• Strong self care habits 
• Occasional evening and weekend hours for events
• Other duties as assigned
• Possibility to co-create aspects of the role based on your skills and interests
• Strong commitment to diversity, respect, and inclusion
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Strong digital skills and experience with WordPress, Google voice, Google docs, and Google sheets
• Training in Confidentiality laws, suicide assessment, and child abuse reporting pertaining to our work

Education and Experience Requirements 

• Experience and knowledge of mental health, trauma, and substance use required
• 2-3 years of experience in a clinical support role within a healthcare or mental health setting
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology/social work or similar – or peer support certification strongly preferred

This is a part-time position with competitive compensation and flexibility. If you are a motivated and experienced clinical support professional with a passion for supporting mental health services, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join a growing psychotherapy practice. Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration to Dr. Scott Giacomucci at Scott@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com. In your cover letter, please outline how your past experience and training has positioned you to be a good applicant for this open position.

In the realm of therapeutic healing, embracing a diverse range of approaches often leads to profound transformation. A compelling fusion gaining momentum is the integration of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy alongside ongoing individual therapy. EMDR is a unique and specialized therapy for treating PTSD and reprocessing disturbing memories. At the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, we not only offer EMDR, but we specialize in it and nearly every therapist and intern on our team is trained in EMDR. It is the most commonly employed therapeutic modality at our center.

Offering EMDR at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or via TeleTherapy!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

Let’s dive into the benefits of incorporating EMDR therapy as an adjunct to your current therapeutic journey, fostering a dynamic collaboration for deep healing and focused EMDR work.

1. Gaining Additional Perspective and a Specialized Approach: Ongoing individual therapy provides a nurturing environment for self-discovery and personal growth. The infusion of EMDR therapy from the Phoenix Center introduces an additional and specialized perspective. With a specialized EMDR therapist, you’re granted the privilege of a fresh outlook on your challenges. This distinct approach illuminates your healing from a new angle, offering novel strategies that enrich your therapeutic experience.
   
2. Streamlined and Focused EMDR Experience: EMDR therapy, renowned for its precise focus on trauma and emotional distress, becomes even more impactful when seamlessly integrated as an adjunct to ongoing individual therapy. Enlisting a dedicated EMDR specialist from the Phoenix Center ensures that your sessions are highly focused on the reprocessing of traumatic memories. This streamlined process expedites the journey to healing, appealing to those seeking rapid relief from distressing symptoms. Often when the EMDR therapist is one’s only professional support, week-to-week stressors or other therapeutic issues slow down progress and draw the focus of therapy away from EMDR.
   
3. Embracing EMDR Benefits While Sustaining Ongoing Work: Integrating EMDR therapy as an adjunct doesn’t have to replace your ongoing individual therapy; it can enhance it. Partnering with an EMDR specialist from the Phoenix Center allows you to reap the rewards of both therapists concurrently. This arrangement empowers you to experience the potent effects of EMDR without disrupting your ongoing therapeutic relationship, ensuring a seamless transition back to your primary therapist. By adopting EMDR therapy as an adjunct, you open the door to transformation without bidding farewell to your current therapist. The continuity of your ongoing sessions remains intact, while you harness the power of EMDR techniques to target specific traumatic memories and emotions.
   
4. Collaborative Support for Enhanced Healing: Integrating EMDR therapy as an adjunct encourages a unique collaborative dynamic between therapists. The Phoenix Center’s EMDR specialist and your primary therapist combine their expertise to provide comprehensive and tailored support. This collaborative synergy facilitates the exchange of insights, strategies, and observations, fostering a holistic treatment plan that nurtures your well-being.

The fusion of EMDR therapy as an adjunct to ongoing individual therapy, offered by the Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy, is a potent recipe for transformation. By embracing diverse therapeutic modalities, you can cultivate fresh perspectives, encounter the focused efficacy of EMDR, maintain the momentum of ongoing therapy, and access collaborative support from a team of experts. Embark on your journey of healing and growth with the multidimensional approach that EMDR therapy as an adjunct offers, propelling you towards lasting emotional well-being.

We recognize too that engaging in therapy with two different therapists may be cost prohibitive and expensive to many. We are happy to share that we also offer low-cost EMDR therapy at the Phoenix Center through our low-cost trauma therapy program, staffed by our advanced graduate students.

Offering EMDR at the Phoenix Center in Media, PA or via TeleTherapy!
484-440-9416 | Support@PhoenixTraumaCenter.com

Who is appropriate for EMDR therapy?

It is important to note that not everyone is the best fit for engaging in EMDR therapy. The best candidates for EMDR are individuals who have already established a social support system, developed self-awareness, are able to regulate their emotions when overwhelmed, have already learned coping skills, and who are otherwise relatively stable in terms of suicidality, alcohol/substance abuse, other addictive behaviors, self-harm, and overall mental health. We also offer EMDR intensives, which may be best for clients who seek a more immersive treatment experience and can afford the time and financial cost of scheduling multiple hours or days of consecutive sessions.

Trauma can leave deep scars on our minds and bodies, impacting our daily lives and overall well-being. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have proven to be highly effective in addressing trauma and facilitating healing. While traditional EMDR therapy sessions typically last for an hour on a weekly basis, there is an alternative approach known as EMDR intensives. EMDR intensives are unique in that they are scheduled for multiple hours or days at a time instead of one hour a week. For example, you could engage in a half-day or an all-day EMDR intensive where you spend 3-6 hours with your therapist individually. This allows us to quickly and efficiently engage in EMDR therapy which means you can experience the relief and healing that you’ve been craving quicker.

Why Choose the Phoenix Center for EMDR Intensives?

Our staff is composed entirely of therapists who specialize in trauma therapy and have devoted their careers to learning, practicing, and teaching trauma therapy. While our staff have training and certifications in various trauma treatments, every therapist and graduate student on our team is trained in EMDR. EMDR is a common language and shared treatment philosophy and modality amongst our team which has over 25 EMDR providers. The Phoenix Center started in 2015 as a practice primarily offering EMDR therapy and has become recognized by many in the professional community as an agency providing high-quality and ethical EMDR treatment on a larger scale nearly any other organization in the Philadelphia area.

Here’s some of the benefits of EMDR intensives compared to an hour of weekly EMDR therapy:

1. Immersion in the Healing Process: EMDR intensives provide a concentrated and immersive experience for trauma therapy. Unlike weekly sessions, which often include weekly updates on life, EMDR intensives allow clients to delve deeper into their traumatic experiences and work through them in a more comprehensive and accelerated manner. Continuous engagement over consecutive hours or days helps maintain momentum in the therapeutic process and prevents interruptions that may occur between weekly sessions.
2. Efficiency and Financial Savings: The extended session lengths, which can range from several hours to multiple days, offer a safe and contained space for individuals to engage with their trauma and explore the associated emotions and memories. In weekly sessions, there is a natural warming up and cooling down process that happens each session which limits the amount of time available for trauma processing. In a focused 4-hour EMDR intensive, we might be able to realistically accomplish what would take 8-10 weeks of weekly hour sessions. This means you can receive the EMDR treatment quicker and save money in the long run. EMDR intensives condense the therapeutic process into a shorter timeframe. This compacted schedule allows clients to make rapid progress and experience substantial shifts in their healing journey.
3. Deepening of the Process: The concentrated nature of EMDR intensives provides an opportunity for clients to experience transformative breakthroughs without being slowed down or interrupted by the end of the hour session. Through the extended sessions, clients can establish a heightened sense of safety and trust with their therapist, allowing for a more continuous and naturally paced exploration of their trauma.
4. Availability: EMDR intensives can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are seeking immediate relief or who have limited availability for long-term therapy. This is often the case for professionals who travel often for their careers or for students who have limited time before moving out of town for school. Many clients will even travel out of town to engage in an EMDR intensive when their local area is lacking in high-quality trauma treatment options.

Who is appropriate for EMDR intensives?

It is important to note that not everyone is the best fit for engaging in EMDR therapy or EMDR intensives. The best candidates for EMDR intensives are individuals who have already established a social support system, developed self-awareness, are able to regulate their emotions when overwhelmed, have already learned coping skills, and who are otherwise relatively stable in terms of suicidality, alcohol/substance abuse, other addictive behaviors, self-harm, and overall mental health. Logistically, EMDR intensives are best for clients who can afford the time and financial cost of scheduling multiple hours or days. More on who is the best fit for EMDR here.

EMDR intensives offer a powerful and transformative approach to trauma therapy. With their immersive nature, extended sessions, deeper insights, rapid progress, and comprehensive care. While weekly EMDR sessions remain valuable and effective, intensives can be particularly beneficial for those seeking a more concentrated and accelerated healing experience. If you are ready to embark on a journey of healing and transformation, EMDR intensives may be the ideal option for you.

by Dr. Scott Giacomucci, DSW, LCSW, BCD, CGP, FAAETS, TEP

As human beings, we are inherently social creatures, and our ability to connect with others is vital for our overall well-being. However, mental health problems can often lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from others, making it even more difficult to seek help or feel supported. Joining a therapy group can be a powerful way to address this isolation and receive the support and connection we need to heal and grow. Therapy groups are an excellent adjunct to individual therapy and can help combat the isolation and shame that we might feel related to past experiences. In this article and video, we’ll explore some of the benefits of joining a therapy group.

Free online support groups offered through the Phoenix Center
and
Therapy groups at the Phoenix Center in Media, Pennsylvania

Are you familiar with the difference between therapy groups and support groups?  The video below will outline the benefits of group therapy while also offering clarity on the differences between support groups and therapy groups.

Research is showing that group therapy is at least as effective as individual therapy but much cheaper!

Mental health issues can be overwhelming and isolating, leaving people feeling like they are alone in their struggles. Joining a therapy group can provide a sense of connection, extra support, and the opportunity to use one’s experiences to help others. Below, we will discuss some of the benefits of joining a therapy group, including increased support, a sense of community, and the unique opportunities for growth that group therapy provides.

1. Connection in groups:

Mental health problems can fuel isolation, which can further exacerbate one’s mental health. Group therapy provides a space to connect with others who are struggling with similar issues. This sense of connection can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, as well as provide a sense of community.

2. Extra support:

Group therapy provides an additional layer of support to individual therapy. In group therapy, members can share their struggles and receive feedback and support from their peers. This can be particularly helpful in moments when one is feeling overwhelmed and may need extra support.

3. Peer support can feel safer:

In a therapy group, members are surrounded by peers who understand their struggles, creating a sense of safety and understanding. The group therapy experience can also provide a level of anonymity that individual therapy may not offer. Members can share their experiences without fear of judgment or repercussions. Some people may have experienced trauma or abuse from people in power in the past, thus finding it difficulty to trust a therapist or doctor today.

4. Opportunity to use your experiences to help others:

In group therapy, members can use their experiences to help others. This can be incredibly empowering and therapeutic for both the individual and the group as a whole. Being able to offer support and advice to others can provide a sense of purpose and meaning.

5. More dynamic than individual therapy:

Group therapy is often more dynamic than individual therapy. Members can offer different perspectives and feedback, which can help one see their struggles in a new light. The group dynamic can also help members learn new skills and coping strategies while practicing new social skills in real time.

6. More input and feedback from others:

Group therapy provides a space for members to receive feedback and input from others. This can be particularly helpful when one is struggling with interpersonal relationships or communication issues. Members can practice new communication skills and receive feedback in the moment.

7. Power in numbers:

There is power in numbers, and this is true for group therapy as well. Members can draw strength and support from the group, and the group can also provide a level of accountability. Knowing that one is not alone in their struggles can be incredibly empowering.

8. Cheaper, but equally effective:

Group therapy is often more cost-effective than individual therapy. In addition, group therapy sessions are typically longer than individual therapy sessions, which can provide more time for members to process their experiences and receive support. The research on group therapy is demonstrating that it is at least as effective as individual therapy in the treatment of most mental health problems or social issues.

In conclusion, joining a therapy group can provide numerous benefits for those struggling with mental health issues. Group therapy provides a sense of connection, extra support, and the opportunity to use one’s experiences to help others. It can be a more dynamic and cost-effective alternative to individual therapy, providing a unique opportunity for growth and healing.

Check out our free online support groups at the Phoenix Center – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/community-peer-support-groups/

Consider joining one of our therapy groups at the Phoenix Center in Media, Pennsylvania – https://www.phoenixtraumacenter.com/group-services/

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