Counseling for Trauma
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster. While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma is an emotional or psychological experience that makes you feel unsafe or helpless. As our mind and body try to process what has happened, you might experience physical and emotional issues that can create problems in your life.
Types of Trauma
- Acute trauma – results from a single event.
- Chronic trauma – is repeated and prolonged, such as domestic violence, abuse, or bullying.
- Complex trauma – is exposure to varied and multiple events., often of an intrusive nature.
Trauma is not the end of our story; we can manage it with intentional healing efforts and knowledge. Now is the time to cultivate safe and welcoming environments. When trauma is addressed, it will no longer influence our lives, and we will have the tools to live better lives.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5.
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event.
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of trauma treatment. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.