Geoffrey White

Geoffrey White

LCSW, Psychotherapist

In 1992 I graduated from Rutgers School of Social Work with a Masters degree in Social Work (MSW). The State of New Jersey started Licensing Social Workers in 1996—mostly a beneficial development. At Rutgers I learned the foundation of psychotherapy was grounded in Freudian psychoanalysis—a good foundation but not sufficient within itself to address complex modern situations and trauma.

I knew from my years of diverse life experiences that there was more to the avenues of the mind than what Freud described. Many others have described different theories but it is important to understand that humans are unique—so one theory cannot help everyone. And now, in support of new ideas, there are countless studies (research) on all sorts of healing modalities. So, I made many forays into “alternative” healing arts. (I can send you a list of the 30+ conferences and trainings I have attended in addition to the CEUs required to renew my license (600+ hours so far…).

So I guess you could say I am an open-minded, compassionate therapist with 30+ years of experience with all sorts of disorders (conveniently listed in the DSM-V). I call myself a trauma therapist—trauma has been the impetus for my many attempts to find treatments that work. And actually, trauma definition and treatment has changed (evolved) dramatically since the 90’s. First it focused on the SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System) reaction to stress with “Fight, Flight, or Freeze”. Then, in 2005 Steven Porges elucidated the PolyVagal Theory differentiating the stress response into two widely divergent Vagal states—Ventral and Dorsal with Sympathetic arousal (Fight or Flight) in between. So, in the beginning of my practice there was only Fight, Flight, or Freeze and trauma was rare. Now, with what is now described as the trauma of growing up with mentally unhealthy parents (most people) in a deteriorating society and very toxic world, no one really escapes trauma—it doesn’t have to be rape, torture, war, or a car accident... And, then there is neuro-degenerative disease arising out of new brain scans and brain research coupled with the awareness of the many years of brain development in humans. Not to mention the excessive use of chemical toxins, ubiquitous EMF’s, spending most time indoors, and other unhealthy social norms.

Trauma research has evolved and continues to evolve internationally. Long ago, “trauma” was considered “stress”. Then, therapists started identifying themselves as “Trauma Informed”. Currently, trauma therapists are “PolyVagal Informed”. As research widens around the world (largely academically focused, not funded by Big Pharma), many experts have predicted the future of “medicine” will not be drugs and surgery it will be light and sound (frequencies) directed at the various energies in the human body and mind.