Trauma is the result of exposure to an event, series of events, or enduring conditions that overwhelms a person’s resources and ability to effectively integrate the emotional experience. It is accompanied by a sense of immobility, lack of safety, and feelings of helplessness. It can be experienced in many ways: a car accident, childhood or domestic abuse, neglect or abandonment, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, a natural disaster or sudden cultural changes as are currently being experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 experience long lasting effects from trauma. These effects present as symptoms, sometimes with an absence of memory. They can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain experienced as numbness or dis-regulation, fear, confusion, or relational difficulties long after the event(s) has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms include:
Avoidance
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Social anxiety, depression, numbness, shame or self-loathing
- Suicidal ideation
- Addictions
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyper-arousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, hyper vigilance and mistrust
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
- Nervous system dysregulation
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 treatment for trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Body-Centered interventions are some therapies used in treating trauma.
"Let go of the battle. Breathe quietly and let it be. Let your body relax and your heart soften. Open to whatever you experience without fighting."
-Jack Kornfield
If you or someone you know match the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help. I invite you to schedule an appointment by contacting me today.