How to Deal with Traumatic Memories? |

What are traumatic memories? Traumatic memories are formed after experiencing an event that caused high levels of emotional arousal. When faced with a traumatic experience you are unfortunately also opened to the likelihood of experiencing flashbacks of the event. This can bring emotions such as fear, sadness, shock, shame, or anger. Fortunately there are ways you can cope and reduce the stress of experiencing a traumatic memory. In this blog I will go over 3 ways to deal with traumatic memories.

Identify Triggers

When faced with traumatic memories it is important to be able to identify things that trigger them. There are two different types of triggers, external and internal. External are things such as people, places, smells, relationships, interactions, and anniversaries. Some examples of internal triggers are memories, emotions, or body sensations. In order to become aware of these you should write them down, so you are able to track what you are doing before and after experiencing a traumatic memory.

Mindfulness

When you have a history with trauma it is not abnormal to want to put your focus on the past or on an imagined future. By doing this it makes it hard to live your life in the present moment. Staying in the present can help ground yourself when flooded with traumatic memories. Here are some ways to do that:

5-4-3-2-1 Method- Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.
Define Reality- Verbalize statements that are true about the current moment. For example: “I am sitting on the couch with my husband.”, “I am safe in my home.”, “I am about to start cooking dinner for my family.”
Make a list of things that make you feel safe- This can be a person, place, or sensory items such as a smell, a song, or a tv show. Remind yourself that you are safe.

Therapy

There are many different types of therapies for trauma that can be helpful when dealing with traumatic memories. Some examples are EMDR, talk therapy, exposure therapy, Emotionally Transformative Therapy (ETT), and support groups. When you find a therapist that is right for you, they will if you are ready to begin the journey of overcoming your trauma then we are here for you. At New Vision Counseling and Consulting we have a team of caring therapists who are highly trained in helping you work through trauma and create a life you want to be a part of. The natural next step is to call us at (405) 921-7776. We hope to meet you soon Ill be able to help identify techniques that are best for you. Going to therapy not only helps you cope with traumatic events but helps in understanding and processing an event.

MORE SUCCESS STORIES

Mark Thompson

12:26 21 Mar 25

Tami demonstrated exceptional helpfulness, communicativeness, and the ability to effectively manage scheduling conflicts.

Gathan Graham (pianoman)

22:34 11 Jan 25

Michael McPherson gave us great counseling advice! Thank you!

Adrian Johnson

21:20 27 Nov 24

I was skeptical about seeing a therapist at first but Mr. McPherson’s approach and ability to get my wife and I to stop talking at each other and to each other has us happier than we’ve been in years.

I highly recommend him to anyone that has interest in saving their marriage/relationship.

Kaleb Thompson

06:09 19 Nov 24

We had a great experience at New Vision! We had the pleasure of being counseled by Michael Mcpherson. His teaching was biblical and he provided us with skills that helped our marriage. I would recommend him to anyone. We will forever be grateful for Michael’s remarkable teaching and guidance.

Donavon Hailey

04:31 02 Nov 24

Christopher Shaffer

15:28 26 Oct 24

I have known Amber for many years and can say this with full confidence - Amber has a heart for people, especially those who are hurting and need a hand up. I trust her and so should you!

Leah Wimer

17:15 20 Oct 24

I absolutely love having Morgan as my therapist. She sorts through events in my life and helps me process things. I have been able to work through so much with her. She is very sweet and always asks good questions to make me think. She is open to trying new techniques to work through trauma. She also has done couples sessions with me and my husband. Overall would recommend her to anyone that is looking for a therapist.

John Parker

04:10 15 Oct 24

I reluctantly agreed to attend marriage counseling with my wife as we were experiencing numerous marital challenges. Shawn was excellent in helping allay my pessimism and disarm my machismo attitude to help me suspend me ego and focus on the sanctity of our marriage. Through consistent work with Shawn, we have deepened our understanding of each other’s perspectives and fostered a greater sense of emotional intimacy. Thanks to Shawn, we have successfully strengthened our bond, grown in our roles as partners, and made meaningful strides toward a more fulfilling marriage. Thank you, Shawn!!

Kim Ferguson

04:58 13 Oct 24

I highly recommend New Vision Counseling and Consulting. I searched several Christian counseling services and God led us to this one. They are so caring.
How do you sum up in a few words how grateful you are. I’ll do my best. I am so very thankful that the LORD led us to New Vision Counseling and to Michael McPherson. What a Godsend he is. I was at a loss and didn’t know what the future would look like but I wanted to save my marriage. My husband and I have been married 34 years and we weren’t dealing the right way with each other. Unresolved feelings and emotions piled up over the years and we were not really communicating well at all. Michael gave us tools to be successful in our marriage but also as individuals. We learned why we are the way we are from past experiences, how to change that, forgive, and move forward better. He helped us to communicate and fight fair. What was most important to us was to have God’s word at the center and everything align with that. Michael did just that. He is so very knowledgeable and full of Godly wisdom. You can tell he loves his job and this is a calling God has given him. We are forever grateful that God led us to New Vision Counseling and Michael. I know the next 34+ years will be even better.

Meagan Mitchell

17:34 12 Oct 24

Chris is a man of high intelligence, integrity, and character. Everything he does is at the highest capacity, and he genuinely cares for all he comes into contact with. His counseling services are top notch because of his Christian faith and his attributes that are build on that foundation. He does a phenomenal job listening to others and motivating others with a Christ-cantered approach. I couldn’t possible recommend his counseling services more. Thank you, Chris!

Daevion Nelson

17:29 10 Oct 24

We reached out to New Vision after getting engaged so that we could participate in pre-marital counseling. We chose to meet with Michael McPherson, LPC and have been attending his sessions every 2 weeks for the past 4 months. Michael is patient, direct, and very knowledgeable. We are glad we chose someone who could provide us with a faith based perspective as well as someone who is not just speaking to us about being married, but experiencing a long lasting marriage himself. Trusting the advice of someone who can lead by example was a major key for us. We are extremely happy God allowed us to cross paths with New Vision Counseling and Mr. Michael McPherson, LPC. Best choice we could have made on our journey to becoming one.

Grace Koechle

01:34 09 Oct 24

Great place! Definitely recommend Chris Miller!

Kathy Beverly

19:26 08 Oct 24

I am very impressed with Amber. She helped me walk through my crisis and see it as a learning experience, instead of allowing myself to see it as ruining my life forever.

Donna Donaldson

12:44 08 Oct 24

One of my favorite things about Amber is that she has life experience, not just education about things. This helps me feel like she’s able to understand in a way that truly helps her clients know they aren’t alone.

Darla Bair

00:49 08 Oct 24

I really enjoy my time with Amber. She truly cares for others and has a gift for ensuring everyone feels seen and understood.

Pauletta Brown

21:57 06 Oct 24

Jonas A

22:12 05 Oct 24

Chris is a very good listener, and provides Great counseling.

Its Dewai

22:08 05 Oct 24

I can in depressed, and came out a new man. Thank you Chris, thank you.

Ronin Noodles

22:07 05 Oct 24

Chris was spectacular! Fixed all my mental issues. 10/10 would recommend.

Kerie Ljunghammar

21:29 05 Oct 24

Chris was a great help! I highly recommend New Vision.

Heaven B.

18:57 05 Oct 24

Very nice counseling. Chris is the goat. Solved all my problems.

Joel Weiss

15:06 04 Oct 24

Chris has a unique ability to speak with strength and kindness that I love. Would highly recommend

George Weiss

14:39 04 Oct 24

Chris is a man of integrity. What I look for and Medical and any other business man or a woman is integrity. It’s hard to find integrity nowadays. It is a rare characteristic. Chris is a man of REAL integrity. He has so much care for his fellow man. I trust him impeccably. Good council is ABSOLUTELY critical. You can count on Chris to give you good, honest, and helpful council!

Clayton Caniford

13:46 04 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most genuine humans on this earth. His ability to connect with people is a true gift and he has helped me so much in my own life spiritually and emotionally. Highly recommend Chris!

Lauren Springer

11:31 04 Oct 24

I would highly recommend Chris Miller!

Kade Cole

02:37 04 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most empathetic people I’ve ever met. He is a delight to be with and truly cares about others.

Michael Youtsey

23:36 03 Oct 24

In a world that is becoming more and more hectic, having someone so level headed as Chris Miller in your life has such a positive impact. Chris always brings a stable and supportive attitude to everything that he does. Talking with Chris always keeps me motivated to keep a positive attitude and putting the hard work with whatever I am doing. I know that Chris carries this same attitude in whatever he does and would have a positive impact on anyone who comes in contact with him.

Becky J Miller

21:38 03 Oct 24

The idea of counseling can be scary, especially the first step requiring trust of a complete stranger with the deep emotions often hidden from most people. As Christian counselors, New Vision provides an additional layer of comfort for clients who know they are speaking to someone with shared values. It is obvious that Chris genuinely cares about the people who come to New Vision seeking help. He listens carefully and intently, following up with well thought out observations. Chris asks thought provoking questions designed to help clients discover the root causes of issues. I highly recommend both New Vision Counseling and Chris Miller for anyone desiring counseling in a safe and caring environment.

Kennedy Yancey

20:09 03 Oct 24

High recommend New Vision Counseling! Chris makes you feel very welcomed and is super professional!

Pastor Jeanine

19:59 03 Oct 24

Chris Miller is a kind and compassionate counselor who listens intently to focus on root causes. He has a heart to genuinely serve others.

Emily Marie

19:03 03 Oct 24

Chris Miller creates a safe and welcoming environment where I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts and feelings. He asks the right questions, guiding me to deeper self-reflection while offering practical tools to manage stress and anxiety.

Susie Lear

17:04 02 Oct 24

New Vision Counseling and Consulting was the top-ranking provider on my “best Christian Counseling” Google search. I read every review, watched every video, and then made the call. I’m not sure why the first step, just the thought of reaching out, seemed so daunting. Just know, on the other end of the phone is someone who will make you feel comfortable and get you connected – and it just gets better from there!

Josh Rhoades came highly recommended, and he didn’t disappoint! He was so easy to talk to, showed great respect and compassion, is highly qualified, and graciously committed himself to walking me through a 3-week therapy protocol using neuroscience techniques that I can’t adequately explain. I was in a serious state of STUCK! I was overwhelmed and unable to process the simplest of tasks, unable to focus, anxious (understatement), and I had suppressed decades of unresolved guilt. The healing journey that Josh walked me through is real and impactful. At times the mental relief and emotional healing were gradual, but oftentimes immediate. Crazy. Amazing. Life changing. Josh, I cannot thank you enough!

I wholeheartedly recommend Josh and New Vision Counseling and Consulting!

Ashley Currington

23:40 01 Oct 24

Chris is one of the most genuine people you will ever meet. He knows Christ and has a genuine love and passion for helping others become more than they believe they are. Incredibly trustworthy and dedicated. You can’t go wrong with new vision counseling.

Leslie Weiss

19:38 01 Oct 24

I recommend New Vision Counseling. Chris has encouraged and motivated me in many areas of personal growth. He is a good listener and passionate about helping people.

Deepika sitaraman

16:47 01 Oct 24

I love this counseling! Everyone is friendly and I feel like everything I talk about is heard, and I feel like I can share anything. I highly recommend this!

David Weiss

23:41 30 Sep 24

The services provided here are genuine and I have benefited from the time that I have spent with some of the staff members here.

Randall Vincent

16:02 30 Sep 24

The biggest lie ever told is that people don’t change. Realizing your potential and what you’re capable of through faith is the biggest step towards changing for the better. Allow it to happen!

Dakota York

16:23 29 Sep 24

I’ve had the opportunity to speak with Chris Miller for more than 2 years. He has helped guide me and coach me to see new perspectives, and ways to change my focus about certain challenges in life while being in and of Christ. Talking with him has helped me strengthen my relationship with God and those I love. I look forward to the next time we speak.

Thomas Bauman

04:23 29 Sep 24

I cannot recommend Chris enough! He is wise well-beyond his years, has a heart FULL of God, and is an amazing example for younger generations and men everywhere!

Dylan Reeves

15:59 28 Sep 24

I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Chris Miller and learn from him. His professional attitude and drive to help others is always astounding. He is not one to shy away from challenging others to better themselves and is a bright soul.

Taylor Lawson

15:56 28 Sep 24

Chris has always been someone that i could go to for anything. I know when I go to him it’s a safe space and I know he’s there to listen and help me with my issues or help me see it from a different perspective. I truly appreciate the conversations I’ve had with Chris as it helped me grow.

Marty Zimms

02:41 28 Sep 24

Chris is an excellent listener. Saved my marriage. Thank you Chris

Christy Zimms

02:38 28 Sep 24

Chris Miller is a great counselor

Eric Weiss

00:55 28 Sep 24

Great people, wonderful environment

Matthias-Josef Kowol

21:20 27 Sep 24

Josh is an extremely caring and considerate professional. His emphasis on keeping his faith center of mind with the understanding of the world and its challenges makes him uniquely equipped to be a helper and a guide on the journey to understanding.

Claire Bauman

20:23 27 Sep 24

Chris Miller is a really special and valuable counselor. I have gained strength and self- knowledge to the extent that I am feeling far more confident of being able to cope with various life issues.

Megan Montgomery

17:05 27 Sep 24

Morgan has been great and so helpful in my journey!

Tony Gregory

16:45 27 Sep 24

Heather Park

23:54 26 Sep 24

New Vision Counseling and Josh Rhoades have been a huge blessing to our family. Our son experienced some issues with anger and low self-esteem at a young age. Through his sessions with Josh he learned how important it is to take care of his mental health as well as his physical health. If you are on the fence about taking your child to counseling, I highly recommend you schedule a consultation with Josh.

Matthew Will

22:11 26 Sep 24

I’m so thankful for Josh, and New Vision counseling. I’ve been dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and in a year I feel so much better. I cannot thank my counselor and New Vision enough. Without the guidance and dedication to help, I’m not sure where I would be!!!

R. Dylan Kordeliski

19:06 26 Sep 24

Chris Miller is great! Dedicating to helping everyone all the time. Attentive listener and always gives the best advice. Very knowledgeable and willing to go above and beyond!

Hannah Ljunghammar

18:48 26 Sep 24

Definitely recommend New Vision.

Chris Miller has been a huge support in my life. He listens with great care, offers thoughtful perspectives, and is always straightforward in his feedback. His insight has inspired me to grow and meet my potential.

Kaitlyn Farris

15:44 26 Sep 24

Linda Williams

02:56 25 Sep 24

A wise Proverb, Proverbs 11:14 to be exact, states
"Without guidance, a people will fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance." There is nothing to lose and your whole world to gain when you seek a Christian counselor like Joshua Rhoades. Not only is he trained and prepared to help you through life's pain and paradoxes, but I believe he is anointed. With professionalism not lacking in personal warmth and compassion, he will leave you with only one question: "Why didn't I do this before?" Take back your life and live in the peace and joy you were made to enjoy. Call Joshua Rhoades today.

Brooke Khezri

01:05 24 Sep 24

Me and my now husband did our premarital counseling through New Vision and it was amazing! Josh took great care of us and we genuinely looked forward to our session with him each week! After we completed all of our sessions we felt that we had several new tools added to our toolbox that would help us have a very happy, healthy and prosperous marriage. We were promoted to talk about things we hadn’t thought of before and learned many helpful communication skills. We are so thankful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone!

Sarah Buck

21:05 23 Sep 24

New Vision is full of incredibly kind and patient counselors who are truly dedicated to helping you. They create such a safe, Christ-centered, and welcoming space where you feel heard and understood.

Melissa Da silva

19:34 23 Sep 24

Highly recommend this place!!

Tyler Ljunghammar

18:03 23 Sep 24

In a world of quick fixes and feel good platitudes it can be hard to find people who genuinely care about empowering others in a way which creates a lasting impact and is centered on a Christian perspective/foundation. Chris Miller at New Vision is one of those individuals who truly seeks to understand any one persons situation and encourages personal ownership through the lens of both truth and love. I would recommend anyone who is seeking out counseling to check out New Vision Counseling.

Brittany Bruckhoff

17:37 23 Sep 24

Chris is a great listener and always willing to help others!

Ashley Hickerson

19:26 22 Sep 24

Morgan Fowler is hands down, the best! I can't recommend her enough.

trevor tennyson

15:47 21 Sep 24

Morgan creates a comfortable space to share and explore tough topics, and I always leave feeling heard and supported

Spartan Lawn

15:45 21 Sep 24

Highly professional and compassionate service

Melanie Tennyson

02:55 21 Sep 24

Morgan has been so helpful in helping me with my mental health challenges!

Garrick Shreck

15:13 20 Sep 24

New Vision and Josh Rhoades at New Vision I can highly recommend for christian counseling. Josh has helped me change my life personally and he was an excellent marriage counselor for my wife and I. I can very firmly give them a 5 star rating and if you are in need of individual or marriage therapy give them a call.

Faythe Brandt

13:21 20 Sep 24

Charly at New Vision Counseling Center provides compassionate and insightful support. Their empathetic approach creates a safe space for healing and growth. Highly recommend for anyone seeking guidance and understanding on their mental health journey!

Melea Kingsley

19:05 19 Sep 24

New vision Counseling ( Shae ) has completely transformed my life and how I navigate things. I highly recommend the people at new vision counseling , I feel heard and listened to at my sessions , I’ve tried many different counselors in the past and this place has been the best fit for me & my needs !

John Romano

18:44 19 Sep 24

Please use NewVision for all your therapy needs. Very professional and caring in their treatment of clients.

Michelle Fowler

18:43 19 Sep 24

Morgan Fowler is a qualified, compassionate counselor! She is knowledgeable and innovative! I would highly recommend her!

Christina Zumbrunnen

15:09 19 Sep 24

I just wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible support Charly Moreau provided. Her guidance has truly made a difference in my life. Charly's compassionate approach and insightful feedback have helped me navigate challenges and gain a clearer perspective. I always feel heard and understood during our sessions, which has been invaluable in my personal growth.

Thank you for being such a wonderful counselor Charly! I’m grateful to have you on this journey with me.

Tami Marshall

23:36 18 Sep 24

Charly is a wonderful listener. She’s patient and passionate about helping people. Highly recommend.

T B

22:21 18 Sep 24

Morgan not only provided such a wonderful listening ear and heart, but phenomenal bits of advice and a different (more wholistic) perspective. This is a place that helps remind you that your identity is found in Christ, and in nothing or no one else!

Ryan Gilmer

03:31 18 Sep 24

Alot of times, when people seek godly wisdom they are actually seeking to hear from God and just don't know how to do it. These people spend time seeking God so that they can give godly wisdom and help push you through the pain and provide a way to heal to get to the process of becoming stronger in the end. Caleb McLean is one of these God-fearing counselors that I know personally who dedicates his life to doing just that.
He is compassionate,caring, and he gives good advice by the gifts God has placed on him. He will help lead you to see what God wants you to see in yourselves push past the painful areas you didn't want to see anymore to bring closure to old wounds and become whole. If you want freedom, if you want to be challenged, if you need someone to love you like God calls us to doing, chose this group. If you believe in miracles or maybe even if you don't yet but you want to, chose this group. If this is your first wake up call or if it's your last ditch effort, chose this group. God is here and I know personally God is using counselors like Caleb McLean to build up godly men and women to feel the power of God and be guided in the ways of the Lord and to be changed forever. Change is in here so why aren't you?

Megan Burleson

01:19 18 Sep 24

I cannot recommend New Vision Counseling highly enough. From the moment I walked in, I was met with a warm and welcoming environment that immediately put me at ease. The staff are professional, compassionate, and attentive, making sure every detail of my visit was handled with care.

The therapist I worked with was exceptional—skilled, empathetic, and genuinely invested in my well-being. They created a safe space for me to explore my thoughts and feelings, and their insights and guidance have been invaluable in my journey toward personal growth.

The office itself offers a calm and serene atmosphere conducive to therapy. I appreciated the seamless appointment scheduling process and the flexibility they offered to accommodate my needs.

The New Vision team stands out for their commitment to providing high-quality, client-centered care. If you're seeking a supportive and effective therapeutic experience, this is definitely the place to go.

Aleasha Wales Shelnutt

19:24 16 Sep 24

I can’t recommend Charly Moreau enough. Her passion and dedication to helping people create the change they want to see in their lives is nothing short of inspirational. If you’re looking for a counselor who genuinely cares about guiding others on their individual journeys, look no further than Charly.

Sydney Bennett

06:10 16 Sep 24

I had such a positive experience with Charly. She’s kind and understanding and helps put things in perspective when I could only see one side of things. She’s got a lifetime customer for sure 🤗

Kelley Kenney

22:23 15 Sep 24

Morgan is a good listener with a caring soul . She puts forth her best effort in everything to help her clients change their lives . New Visions is a very welcoming.

Anna

21:49 15 Sep 24

New Vision is a great place to seek quality Christian counseling. Morgan is a relatable, skilled, encouraging, and understanding counselor who is so easy to share with. She creates a safe, judgement-free, environment where you feel like you’re in good, and capable, hands. I highly recommend you trust Morgan and New Vision with your counseling needs.

Cynthia Gutierrez

20:15 22 Aug 24

Really disappointed this has been my experience.

Andrew Brown

11:05 06 Feb 24

Shawn called me directly and sought out a resolution with me for a recent poor experience I had. He showed genuine care and consideration over the phone, and demonstrated he truly cares about the clients that come here and wants everyone to get the help they need. That's how it needs to be in any place helping others in God. God bless.

Andy Eaton

21:00 11 Oct 23

I totally recommend Josh Rhoades. He's helped me overcome a lot of anxiety and work-related stress and the effects it's had on me this year. For any guys out there wondering if they should go to counseling, you should definitely give Josh and New Vision a try.

Mark VonFeldt

12:04 23 Aug 23

I admit I didn't think I needed counciling but when I hit a tough period in life. Caleb McKean at New Vison Counseling was extrodinary in helping me out and providing encourgement, prespective and confidence. In addition, it was great seeing Shawn McGuire who consitantly provided an uplifting personality that’s just contagious.

Elizabeth Protzman

11:41 24 May 23

My husband and I just wrapped up counseling with Shawn. And if you told me 6 months ago our family would be how we are now, I would have been in total disbelief. Shawn’s approach to counseling is next level and took us to new places we never thought that we could experience freedom and he put a light on places we never knew were still dragging us down.

My husband (before counseling) had past trauma that weighed him down so heavily that his negative self talk was taking over his mental life. He was completely unable to be social anywhere, see positivity in anything, and talked with a super meek voice because he didn’t see worth in himself. We thought that “this is just his personality”, but Shawn was able to uncover the trauma that was holding him back and helped him break free of it. He now speaks with a voice to be heard and even he engages in social situations!

I went through a terrible health scare while we were going through sessions. My optometrist thought that I had a tumor or fluid build up in my skull. Shawn helped me navigate all of the feelings that I kept shoving down. On my second session of talking about this medical situation, we really got to the root of my stress and behavior in this situation and in life. I felt a ton of weight lifted off of me in that moment just by digging out every root in my heart that wasn’t welcome there. Later that day (a Thursday) I had my MRI scans and that Sunday I woke up headache/migraine free for the first time in four months. Monday I got the news that nothing was there. I truly believe that God did a healing work in that therapy session. A physical healing of my body and a spiritual healing of my mind.

Through all of this Shawn was not only there for just our counseling sessions, but when I was going through all of the medical stuff he would check in and see how everything was going. He recommended for my husband to go to a camp that absolutely played a part in changing my husband’s life. And all that I’ve shared is only the surface of all of the healing we received. I would have to write a novel for the rest, lol.

If you’re looking for healing and willing to show up and put in the work…Shawn will help you get there.

Steve Rodriguez

14:25 06 May 22

New Vision Counseling and Consulting saved my marriage as they helped and are helping me deal with my issues with depression and anxiety. I have been taught new methods of dealing with these issues and they are life saving. I have enjoyed my experience with Shawn Maguire, the best therapist I could ask for, and feel this place is a Godsend. I never thought therapy would work for me but I was wrong and wish I had come here sooner. Excited for what the future holds.