Chicago Compass Counseling
There’s more than one way to approach recovery
Talking can be an important part of therapy, but it doesn’t have to be the only way you work. Different therapists bring different approaches to trauma, and what feels useful can depend on what you’ve experienced, what you’re dealing with now, and how you prefer to work.
Some of our therapists also offer specialized trauma approaches, including EMDR and art therapy.
Get matched with a therapist through a free 15-minute therapist matching call with our intake team. We’ll learn more about what you’re looking for and help you find a therapist whose approach may be a good fit.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
- Care that fits you. Our therapists draw from evidence-based approaches while adapting the work to your needs and goals.
- You have choices. We can offer options and recommendations; you decide what feels useful and what you want to try.
- Context matters. We pay attention to what you’ve experienced, what’s happening now, and the broader context of your life.
Understanding Trauma: How It Can Affect You Now
Trauma can affect people in different ways. It may show up emotionally, physically, in relationships, or in the ways you cope with stress.
Signs Trauma May Be Affecting You:
- Emotional changes: Anxiety, sadness, numbness, irritability, or feeling overwhelmed
- Physical stress: Tension, fatigue, sleep changes, or feeling on edge
- Changes in daily life: Avoiding certain places, situations, or reminders
- Relationship changes: Difficulty trusting, connecting, or feeling safe with others
- Ways of coping: Using substances, routines, or other behaviors to manage difficult emotions
Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. It can look like heightened stress, intrusive memories, or feeling detached. It can also overlap with anxiety, depression, grief, and substance use.