Counseling for Trauma
In this world, you and I will have trouble…We will experience trauma throughout our lifetimes. Whether it is a car accident, divorce, abuse, a pandemic, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster. Life can be hard, even debilitating.
Traumatic events may cause or deepen long lasting emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. In these circumstances, the support, guidance and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
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
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is utilized.
If you or someone you know match the trauma symptoms listed above, I invite you to contact me today for a free 30 minute consultation.