Medical Trauma: an often overlooked treatable side effect of care

Medical trauma can have a profound impact on individuals, often leading to PTSD-like symptoms. While we understand that medical interventions are necessary for our well-being, the experience can sometimes be perceived by the body and brain as a form of violence. Surgeries, for example, involve inflicting real injuries on the body, while hospital interventions may restrict our movement and independence. Additionally, witnessing our loved ones go through these procedures can also be emotionally challenging.

Similar to more commonly recognized traumas such as car accidents, crime victims, and war veterans, individuals with medical trauma can experience lasting traumatic stress injuries. However, it is important to know that healing is possible, and there are interventions available to help individuals overcome these challenges, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Located in Rochester, Minnesota, our practice specializes in providing support and healing for those who have experienced medical trauma. Recognizing the psychological injury that medical intervention can sometimes cause does not mean that the medical team did anything wrong. Just as there is physical recovery from certain interventions, there may be psychological recovery as well. We understand that many individuals may have relocated to Rochester for medical treatment, and we are here to offer our assistance.

EMDR is a therapeutic approach that has shown great promise in treating trauma-related symptoms. It involves a series of guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, which help individuals process and reframe traumatic memories. By doing so, EMDR can alleviate the distressing symptoms associated with medical trauma, such as anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. There can be grief in adjusting to changed functioning, or living with a new diagnosis.

When provided in an Intensive model, EMDR can help clients meet their treatment goals and experience relief from their symptoms more rapidly than they imagined. We provide half-day intensive EMDR sessions as part of a healing retreat in Rochester or throughout Minnesota. If you traveled to Minnesota for physical healing and treatment, you can add 2 or 3 half-days of EMDR treatment to help you manage and recover from trauma and adverse experiences that may be holding you back.

We are based in in Rochester and trained in EMDR and other trauma-focused therapies. We have worked with individuals who have faced various medical traumas, including surgeries, hospital stays, and prolonged medical treatments. We've also supported the caregiver, who often carries a heavy burden with little support. We understand the unique challenges that come with these experiences and provide a safe and supportive environment for healing.

At our practice, we take a holistic approach to healing, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of medical trauma. In therapy, we work closely with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs and goals. We believe in empowering our clients and helping them regain control over their lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the aftermath of medical trauma, we are here to help. Our practice in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a compassionate and understanding interventions for individuals to heal and recover from traumatic stress injury while other experts attend to physical medical treatment needs. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life.