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 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 trauma therapist is fundamental for healing.
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
These symptoms may look like: racing worried thoughts and emotions that feel out of control; anger and irritability that you recognize is "overkill" for the situation; despair and loneliness "nobody will understand me if I tell them"; Nightmares and other sleep disturbances that prevent you from feeling refreshed throughout the day; panic attacks that come out of "nowhere".
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. A skilled therapist will help you reconnect with the strong emotions related to your trauma, release the emotions that are "stuck" in your body, and integrate these emotions and memories so that you can finally feel free.
If you or someone you know match the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today.