How we heal trauma

Meet Joe Germina

I will walk alongside you on your healing journey, offering understanding and gentle guidance after trauma.

Trauma is primarily classified as acute, chronic, and complex according to its frequency and duration. Acute trauma results from a single stressful or dangerous event, such as an accident or assault; chronic trauma arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to high-stress situations, such as child abuse or ongoing maltreatment; and complex trauma involves exposure to multiple traumatic events that may overlap in time.

In addition to this temporal classification, there are other important categories: vicarious (or secondary) trauma, which affects people who did not experience the event directly but have close contact with the victims, such as healthcare professionals or family members; and the distinction between natural trauma (caused by disasters without human intervention) and interpersonal trauma (caused by human actions such as violence or abuse).

In the medical field, the term also refers to physical injuries classified as bone trauma (fractures, fissures), joint trauma (sprains, dislocations) and soft tissue trauma (wounds, burns, contusions), depending on the area of ​​the body affected.

My Mission

Our Approach

Tailored care helps rebuild strength through proven techniques like EMDR and compassionate, steady support.

The initial approach to physical trauma prioritizes patient stabilization and the identification of life-threatening injuries (worst case scenarios) through a systematic assessment.

In the emotional realm, effective support focuses on offering empathetic support and constant presence, avoiding forcing conversation or minimizing the person's feelings, while promoting connection with support networks and early consultation with mental health professionals.

Clinical differentiation: A distinction must be made between acute stress disorder (manifestations in the first month) and post-traumatic stress disorder (symptoms that persist beyond that period and affect daily life).

Warning signs: Recurrent nightmares, intense nervousness, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, irritability, and decreased work or school performance. Intervention at risk: If there is a risk of suicide, it is essential not to leave the person alone, remove dangerous objects if it is safe, and seek immediate emergency help.

Our Space

Located in a calm neighborhood, our office offers a peaceful setting for healing and growth.

Address

1700 Seventh Avenue Suite 2100, Seattle, USA, 98101

Hours

Mon-Sat 9am-9pm