Christian Counseling of Tampa is offering a trauma support group for survivors of trauma. This trauma support group will educate participants about the neurobiological impact of trauma. The group will also serve as a support group and allow the members to grow from their experiences. There will be a limit of 10 participants with at least 6 people committed to the trauma support group before it will start. The group focuses on helping those who have experienced physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and relationship betrayal. Christian values will be incorporated as part of the group process. If interested, please contact Christian Counseling of Tampa. You can meet with a trauma therapist to set up an interview with the group facilitator.

The group is facilitated by Corey O’Connell. Corey is an LMHC who specializes in working with Complex Trauma and PTSD. He is enthusiastic about helping those people who have been involved in abusive relationships as a child or an adult. He is a Certified Complex Trauma Professional. Corey aims to help people learn strategies that will not only allow them to heal but experience growth from their traumatic experiences. Corey has also served as a pastor and integrates his Christian faith as part of the healing process.         

What can I expect in a complex trauma support group?

The focus of the group will be to educate the participants about trauma. During which, you will build skills to support recovery from traumatic experiences. During sessions, time is spent learning new skills and working with other group members to identify ways to use these skills in life.  

Is group trauma therapy right for you?

People in group trauma therapy usually have similar goals in addressing their own mental health needs. Group counseling is different from individual trauma therapy for many reasons. During group work, members learn from the counselor and each other. They are also able to practice skills they learn in the safety of the group.  

What are the benefits of group trauma therapy?

One of the main benefits of group counseling is participants can realize they are not alone. Group members can build connections with others who have experienced similar hurts in life. People also experience an increase in their motivation to change and are encouraged by the changes they see in the lives of others. 

What if I don't think I would be comfortable being open and vulnerable in front of other people?

Group work can sometimes be uncomfortable. Part of the benefits of joining a group is to practice having uncomfortable emotions in a safe environment, or “becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable”. Throughout the group, participants will have the chance to practice sharing part of their experience safely with others. Additionally, an educational group is not designed to have participants share all their traumatic experiences. The focus is on building new skills, not sharing everything you have been through with others. 

Will the things I share in the group be confidential?

Anything said between any two or more group members, inside the group or outside of the group, at any time is considered part of the group. This is understood to be confidential communication. Group participants will agree to keep confidential the names of other members of the group. This also includes what is said in the group. There are limits to confidentiality which will be defined at the beginning of the group. If the group leader believes someone is in danger or will do harm to themselves or others, they have a professional obligation to take direct action to keep everyone safe.

What new skills can I expect to learn?

In this group, you will learn about how trauma impacts the different systems of the body. These include the brain, emotions, memory, and physical sensations. You will also learn specific tools to help decrease feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, depression, and social isolation. Homework will be given to help you practice these skills in your everyday life. Then, you can explore in the group what worked for you and others.

Will the group improve my relationships?

Trauma often leaves people feeling unsafe in their important relationships. The tools learned in this group will improve boundary setting and focus on communication skills you need for healthy relationship building. You will be encouraged to share what you learn in the group with important people in your life. 

Will the group look like what I have seen in movies or tv shows?

No.  There are many stereotypes in the media of a group member throwing something or getting angry and storming out of a room. This type of behavior is not typical or tolerated.  Group members are encouraged to put their feelings into words, to help themselves, and others understand what they are going through.  Putting feelings into words also helps participants learn effective ways of managing difficult or intense emotions.  

Join A Trauma Support Group in Tampa, FL

You don’t have to face the stress of trauma alone. Our team would be happy to provide the support you deserve from our Tampa, FL-based therapy practice. Please contact our team to learn more about the support a complex trauma support group can offer. Christian Counseling of Tampa is also happy to offer individual therapy services. We understand you are a complex person that may experience a variety of mental health concerns. This is why we are happy to also offer play therapy, trauma therapy, premarital counseling, Christian counseling, therapy for anxiety, and marriage intensives. In addition, we are also happy to offer counseling for teens, grief counseling, therapy for depression, ART, CBT, EFT, and more. Please feel free to learn more about us by visiting our FAQ or blog pages today!