TRAUMATIC STRESS RECOVERY

A traumatic event can lead to life-altering physical and psychological effects. Trauma can come in many forms – marital infidelity, death, job loss – but it need not dominate your life going forward. If not dealt with through therapy, the traumatic event and the feelings associated with that event may continue to invade your thoughts.

Dr. Dean Kirschner of the Life Mastery Center has a proven track record of success helping clients mitigate the effects of exposure to trauma. Through a range of therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, hypnosis, and biofeedback, Dr. Kirschner can help you develop the strategies to start dealing with your response to a traumatic event. Since 1987, Dr. Kirschner has helped individuals throughout Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, including Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Essex, Ellicott City, Towson, Lutherville, Cockeysville, White Marsh, Catonsville & Owings Mills, recover from trauma.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER THERAPY

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as critical accidents, sexual assaults, natural disasters, or military combat. Some experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after exposure to a single event, and some experience it due to cumulative stress from multiple traumatic events.

Dr. Kirschner has been trained in the use of several therapies to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, including training with Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell, the founder of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Dr. Kirschner has been trained in the use of Cognitive Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) as well as the use of hypnotherapy in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

SEXUAL ABUSE & INCEST SURVIVOR THERAPY

A victim of sexual abuse, whether a child or an adult, can experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They may experience feelings of a loss of security, trust, safety, and love.

The sexual contact between family members or between a child and an adult is often not reported, leaving the victim to live in a quiet self-blame, self-doubt, and emotional distress.

The process of therapy for sexual abuse survivors is to provide strategies for managing the emotions and thoughts surrounding the experience of the abuse. By dealing with these emotions and thoughts, survivors can begin to move forward to a more productive and fulfilling life.

SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT

Sex offender treatment is focused on identifying the underlying forces behind the offending behavior, developing strategies for stopping the behavior, and taking responsibility for harm done through abusive acts. Treatment does not dismiss, minimize or excuse abusive acts, nor does it seek to punish or humiliate the individual. Effective sex offender treatment can significantly reduce the future risk of sexually abusing a child.

Empathy is a fundamental component in the treatment of sex offenders, as understanding and appreciating the feelings of others is essential in stopping the abusive behavior. The goal of sex offender treatment is to stop abusive behavior and move towards healthier thoughts and behaviors.

CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is sometimes referred to as ‘psychological first aid.’ It is a confidential, voluntary protocol to help those involved in a traumatic or critical incident share their experience, talk about their emotions surrounding the event, and learn about potential reactions to the trauma that they may experience.

Dr. Kirschner is the mental health provider for the Baltimore County Fire Department’s CISM team. He helps those affected by traumatic events and critical incidents learn to cope with the stress of these events. Dr. Kirschner earned his doctorate in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland, with a specialization in the healing of traumatized families.

Ready to make a change? Contact the Life Master Center today for more information about traumatic stress recovery therapy in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Essex, Ellicott City, Towson, Lutherville, Cockeysville, White Marsh, Catonsville & Owings Mills.