Trauma and PTSD therapists in Mount Vernon, Illinois IL
Trauma and PTSD
Karen Baumstark, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Ph.D., CMHIMP, CTACC
None of us can escape some level of trauma; inevitably, it will be a part of life. How much it affects us, however, depends on many factors including the nervous system we were born with, our outer resources, and how much relational support we receive to help us recover from the trauma. Many people do not have access to adequate resources to help them recover from trauma (and this is very subjective and personal, varying from person to person), and the trauma continues to affect them in (sometimes subtle, but still) impactful ways. If certain factors come together, PTSD may develop out of trauma. Often clients feel like they have failed because they can't completely "get over" their PTSD reactions. I have often reminded clients that PTSD is "the gift that keeps on giving". It can be very hard, perhaps impossible, to completely eradicate PTSD reactions, because the reaction is not just of the mind, it is of the whole body. My approach to helping clients with trauma and PTSD involves looking at it holistically and working to understand how the trauma changed you, your reaction across many facets of your life (thoughts, feelings, habits, behaviors, self-care or lack thereof, expectations, how you view the world), and then working on replacing what is harmful with what is helpful. The goal isn't to completely get rid of the PTSD symptoms (which is likely impossible) but rather to dramatically reduce its effect on you, so you can live your best life, and so an occasional symptom breaking through will not derail you.
34 Years Experience
Trauma and PTSD
Kinya M Lucas-Brown
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, CPC
My ultimate goal as a therapist is to not only address immediate concerns but also to promote long-term wellbeing and emotional wellness. By equipping clients with tools for trauma and/or PTSD, and healthy communication, I aim to empower them to lead fulfilling and balanced lives beyond the therapy room.
18 Years Experience
Trauma and PTSD
Merrisa Dawn Santos
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CCTMHP, CCTP
In assisting patients struggling with trauma and PTSD, I offer a compassionate and supportive environment to explore their experiences. Through therapy, we address the impact of trauma on their emotions, behaviors, and relationships. I provide education about trauma responses and coping mechanisms, helping them develop strategies to manage symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Together, we work towards processing and integrating their traumatic experiences, fostering healing, resilience, and a sense of empowerment. Ongoing support and therapy aim to facilitate their journey towards recovery and improved well-being.
3 Years Experience
Trauma and PTSD
Strides in Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PSY.D.
An event, that can cause you to fear for your safety or your very life can happen to anyone.
When such an event occurs, we are often so stunned by it, that we think “This isn’t supposed to happen to me or to someone I love. This only happens to other people.”
There are a variety of ways to experience such a trauma: a car accident, sexual assault, robbery, witnessing an illness or death, domestic violence, being a soldier, being left abruptly by your spouse or parents, and experiencing severe weather catastrophes.
Often when this happens, our bodies and minds do predictable things to protect ourselves. These symptoms might seem strange if you have never experienced them before.
23 Years Experience
Trauma and PTSD
Dr. Natasha Shukla
Psychologist, PhD., LPC
Experiencing relational trauma can be incredibly challenging, and the wounds it leaves can affect every aspect of your life. In therapy, I'm here to offer a helping hand to individuals seeking healing from relational trauma. We'll create a safe and understanding space where you can process the pain and confusion caused by past experiences. Together, we'll explore how these traumas have impacted you and work on building resilience, self-compassion, and healthier ways of connecting with others. Healing is a personal journey, and I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support and guidance as you rediscover a sense of safety, trust, and meaningful connections in your life. Your path to healing begins here.
13 Years Experience