How many times a week/month would the sessions be available

With that being said, let me give you some (hopefully) helpful tips and information for how to more efectively cope with the manifestations of said childhood trauma. It is very possible to overcome that experience and live the life you desire to live, being less likely to be triggered and having a lower, or even non-existant, reaction of stress and anxiety when the topic of your childhood trauma arises. Below are a few tips to help in regards to your situation:

 

 

 

1) Stop and Breathe

 

When anxiety flares, take a time out and think about what it is that is making you so nervous. Anxiety is typically experienced as worrying about a future or past event (such as the experience you had with drugs). Regardless of what you are worried about, a big part of the problem is that you are not being mindful of the present moment. Anxiety loses its grip when you clear your mind of worry and bring your awareness back to the present, and are able to truly acknowledge and accept that you are not in that traumatic experience again but rather you are in a new, safe, environment/situation. If you find yourself being triggered in an "unsafe" environment, it is important to do what you can to regain a sense of safety. This may include leaving the situation and even not placing yourself in potentially triggering situations in the first place, at least in the beginning of overcoming this anxiety response.  The next time your anxiety starts to take you out of the present, regain control by sitting down and taking a few deep breaths. Simply stopping and breathing can help restore a sense of personal balance and bring you back to the present moment. However, if you have the time, try taking this activity a little further and experiment with a breathing exercise and mantra.

 

 

 

Practice this simple breathing technique:

 

Begin by getting into a comfortable seated position. Close your eyes and inhale slowly through your nose. Follow this inhalation with a deep exhalation. Continue to breathe deeply and fully, in and out of your nose. Allow your breath to be a guide to the present. Use the mantra, “Be Present” as you breathe. With each breath in, think to yourself “be” and with each breath out, focus on the word “present.” Breathing exercises are powerful relaxation techniques that can help ease your body and mind of anxiety while turning your attention towards the present.

 

 

 

2) Figure Out What's Bothering You

 

The physical symptoms of panic and anxiety, such as trembling, chest pain, and rapid heartbeat, are usually more apparent than understanding just what is making you anxious. However, in order to get to the root of your anxiety, you need to figure out what’s bothering you. To get to the bottom of your anxiety, put some time aside to exploring your thoughts and feelings. Writing in a journal can be a great way to get in touch with your sources of anxiety. If anxious feelings seem to be keeping you up at night, try keeping a journal or notepad next to your bed. Write down all of the things that are bothering you. Talking with a friend can be another way to discover and understand your anxious feelings. Also, asserting yourself and requesting that the subject be changed if the people you are around start talking about a triggering event can be helpful, and if they truly care about you and are supportive, they will likely comply with your request.

 

 

 

3) Focus On What You Can Change

 

Many times anxiety stems from fearing things that haven’t even happened and may never occur. For example, even though everything is okay and there are no drugs in the physical space you are in, you may still worry about potential issues and having that same experience in that moment. Life can be unpredictable and no matter how hard you try, you can’t always control what happens. However, you can decide how you are going to deal with the unknown. You can turn your anxiety into a source of strength by letting go of fear and focusing on gratitude. Replace your fears by changing your attitude about them. For example, stop fearing to have that same experience and instead focus on how grateful you are to to be clean and sober, or lucid, and not under the influence. Be grateful for the fact that you are not in danger and if you feel that you might be in danger (i.e. if substances are physically present), then excuse yourself and set a boundary. With a little practice, you can learn to dump your anxiety and pick up a more positive outlook.

 

 

 

4) Focus on Something Less Anxiety-Provoking

 

At times, it may be most helpful to simply redirect yourself to focus on something other than your anxiety. You may want to reach out to others, do some work around your home, or engage in an enjoyable activity or hobby. Here are a few ideas of things you can do to thwart off anxiety:

 

 

 

-Do some chores or organizing around the house.

 

-Engage in a creative activity, such as drawing, painting, or writing.

 

-Go for a ​walk or engage in some other form of physical exercise.

 

-Listen to music.

 

-Pray or meditate.

 

-Read a good book or watch a funny movie.

 

 

 

Most people are familiar with experiencing some anxiety from time-to-time. However, chronic anxiety can be a sign of a diagnosable anxiety disorder. When anxiety affects one’s relationships, work performance, and other areas of life, there is potential that these anxious feelings are actually an indication of mental health illness. If you are experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms, talk with your doctor or other professionals who treat such symptoms from a medical perspective. They will be able to address any concerns you have, provide information on diagnosis, and discuss your treatment options.

 

I hope this information was helpful, and should you wish to discuss this matter further please don't hesitate to reach out for continued support. I wish you well!