Relational Support For Past Experiences
Trauma and PTSD
I am Christina Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Maryland with about 6 years in practice. I offer telehealth for adults and couples located in Maryland from Monday to Friday. When you have lived through difficult events, the present can feel quite heavy. My approach focuses on the connection we build together and the pace you set for our work. We look at how past experiences might show up in your current life while prioritizing your comfort in the here and now. I use a mix of styles like CBT, DBT, ACT, and Gottman methods to help us explore your history and current habits. We work together to observe your reactions and practice skills that ground you. This process is about understanding your story and practicing new ways to be present in your daily life. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Observing Present Moments
When you carry the weight of difficult history, your internal rhythms can feel unpredictable. You might notice your heart rate increases during a routine trip to the grocery store or you might feel a startle response when a door slams in your home. In our work, we use mindfulness based tools to notice these sensations as they happen. We practice simple grounding skills from DBT to help you stay present when your mind begins to drift toward older memories. The focus remains on what you feel in this moment so we can explore your patterns at a speed that feels manageable for you.
Exploring Somatic Awareness
Past experiences often leave a physical impression that we can observe together. You might feel a specific tightness in your chest when certain topics arise or notice that your shoulders tend to stay high and tense throughout the day. I incorporate somatic and mindfulness based perspectives to help you pay attention to these physical signals. We use simple breathing exercises to notice how your body responds to the environment around you. This is not about physical fitness but about learning to listen to the quiet cues your body provides. We look at these signals together to build a sense of awareness.
Navigating Social Connections
It is common for past events to influence how you relate to the people in your life today. You might notice a tendency to pull away from a partner during a quiet dinner or find yourself feeling suddenly irritable during a conversation with a friend. For couples and individuals, I use Gottman and ACT methods to look at these social patterns. We practice ways to speak about your needs and explore how to set boundaries that feel appropriate for your life. The goal is to observe these relational habits and practice communication skills that reflect who you are in the present day.
Examining Inner Perspectives
The way you speak to yourself about your history can have a significant impact on your daily outlook. You might find yourself repeating thoughts that place blame on your past self for things that were out of your control. We use CBT to look at these internal statements and examine the facts of your situation. This is not about forced positivity but about looking at your narrative through a neutral lens. We work on acknowledging your experiences while also recognizing your current agency. By exploring these thoughts, we can practice seeing your story with more clarity and a grounded sense of self.
Practical Focus
What We Can Work On
- Noticing physical tension in the body
- Practicing grounding during stressful moments
- Exploring communication in close relationships
- Identifying thoughts about past events
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Related Pages
Your Next Step
Ready to put yourself on the list?
Start with a free consultation. Therapy is available by secure video for adults located in Maryland.
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