Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, our exposure to the violence or war.
While many people may experience strong symptoms in the early days following trauma and will improve over time, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, helplessness, confusion, and develop post-traumatic stress (PTSD) far after the event has passed.
The support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
If you are experiencing some of the symptoms listed below, you may have developed PTSD.
Re-experiencing Symptoms
Intrusive thoughts, disturbing memories of trauma, of nightmares, or flashbacks in which it feels as though the trauma is happening again
Avoidance Symptoms
Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
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
Hyperarousal Symptoms
Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
Sleep disturbances
Research has proven psychotherapy to be an effective form of treatment for trauma. Through evidence-based modalities, you will learn mindfulness, relaxation, and regulation tools that will help you to feel safe and secure in the present life. Once you regain stability, we can work on changing the way you process a traumatic experience.
We may explore how your traumatic experience impacted your thoughts and beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. It will help you address issues you may be having since the trauma related to trust, safety, power/control, esteem, and intimacy.
If you struggle with these symptoms and challenges please reach me today for a free consultation.