Restoring hearts and minds is at the core of everything Wellspring does – but what does that mean?
Restoration implies a change from an altered or damaged state to its original or improved condition. We often talk about restored furniture and cars which have undergone a makeover following the wear of time or an accident. In our mental health, this damage or alteration is called trauma. The APA (American Physiological Association) defines trauma as an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, childhood negative memory, death of a loved one, or natural disaster.
Trauma can appear in our lives as physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or illnesses. It can also appear as emotional symptoms such as anger, difficulty in relationships or unpredictable emotions.
What does restoration look like for hearts and minds?
Just as restored furniture requires tools and rehabilitation labors of mending, repainting and polishing, the mind needs intentional work including reflection, expression and learning to process trauma. Some of the tools available for trauma resolution include:
- Intensive Therapy – This form of therapy typically happens in several consecutive days for several hours to face a difficult trauma head on. Intensive therapy is comparable to going in for surgery. If someone went to the doctor’s with a major heart issue, they would likely recommend surgery rather than a weekly treatment. Wellspring offers intensive trauma-recovery programs, including the Restore Retreat for adults and Bounce Camp for youth.
- One-to-one Therapy is a more traditional approach and can be utilized after intensive therapy to sustain healing and promote post-traumatic growth. Our therapists are trained in trauma resolution and are equipped to walk clients through their healing journey.
- Group Therapy is a cost-effective and intentional program to provide support among peers who are going through similar struggles. We offer therapy groups on topics such as parenting, grief & loss, and anxiety.
At Wellspring, we believe that healing our hearts and minds is essential because Proverbs 4:23says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life“.
Listen to this week’s podcast entitled:
Host Nicole Alfonso, LMHC, with Rebecca Barrios and Beth Assis, LMHC