Counseling for Trauma
Most people will encounter trauma at some point in their lives, whether through a car accident, experiences of abuse or neglect, the sudden loss of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to wartime violence, or a natural disaster.
While many individuals recover from trauma with time, supported by the love and care of family and friends and demonstrating resilience, some may experience enduring effects. These effects can lead a person to suffer from deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress long after the traumatic event has ended.
In such situations, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist become crucial to overcoming and healing from trauma.
Understanding Trauma Symptoms
Trauma manifests through various symptoms categorized by the DSM-5 into four types:
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Feelings of anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Persistent, unwanted thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks of the trauma
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Feelings of anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Engaging in aggressive or reckless behaviors, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Difficulty recalling details of the distressing event
- Altered habits or behavior since the trauma
Extensive research supports psychotherapy as the most effective treatment for trauma, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) being the most commonly employed methods.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting these trauma symptoms, we are here to help. We encourage you to reach out to us today for support and guidance on the path to recovery.