Recovering from Traumatic Childhood Events
If you are living with the traumatic repercussions of emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse or neglect from childhood you may have long ago learned to be hyper-vigilant of your surroundings. You anxiously scan for danger, wondering consciously or unconsciously: “Am I safe here?”  “Can I trust this?” Or perhaps it’s opposite, feel swamped under by hypo-vigilance.  You get stuck, depressed, down, flat. Unable to get your energy moving, it is hard to get inspired, feel passionate or even tolerate too much happiness or excitement as it may make you anxious. Yet some part of you very much longs to feel engaged in life, safe and good inside. 

Emotional, Physical And Sexual Abuse Can Affect How You React Emotionally
Childhood trauma can affect your ability to “regulate” or effectively manage emotions.  You may be quick to anger, overreact or become moody and despondent. Middle ground is hard to find and/or remain in. You feel badly about how your emotional swings affect others. Additionally, you may suspect people’s motives, automatically assuming they are negative. You would like to trust others’ good intentions but fear getting hurt. You may still feel the sting of past hurts, wishing you could resolve them, thinking about them over and over. It is miserable to be caught in these kinds of cycles. Feeling too frequently on edge, lost, sad, in dark places, understandably you fall into thinking uncared for and unlovable, even if you do have friends and a partner who loves you.   Pervasive loneliness may be a constant companion.  Depression and anxiety are frequent visitors. Your sense of being an esteemed person is diminished by a belief that there is something wrong with you, long harbored since childhood. Yet you long for relief from trauma’s impact. To feel good, connected and happy. To have healthy relationships with others. To be successful in your work. To make a meaningful mark on the world. To be liberated from trauma’s grip.

How a Safe Secure Attachment Heals the Effects of Childhood Trauma
There is a way out of the trauma struggle! Experiencing a safe, secure, nurturing attachment with a kind and caring person who is genuinely interested, curious,and delighted in you is a powerful antidote to a traumatic past. You are born wired for healthy, secure loving attachments which is why you protest and react when it is not happening. In our work together I provide the nurturing experiences needed to instill within you a sense of safety, goodness and connection. Heartbreaks mend and conflicting emotions are integrated as together we explore your inner world.  We will move at a pace just right for you. We also reflect on your special qualities, achievements and successes. And... shine a light on your unique soul essence and the profound beauty of your spirit. 
To make an appointment contact me, Susan Amanda Schratter, MFT 
TELE-HEALTH Therapy provided!  
​Offices: 7765 Healdsburg Ave. #5, Sebastopol, CA and 250 Bel Marin Keys, Bldg C-1 Novato, CA
 415. 302-8185.