From domestic violence to auto accidents to child abuse to sexual assault, trauma comes in many forms. It can cause significant pain in our lives, even if the trauma occurred many years ago. Treatment includes such techniques as mood regulation, relaxation skills, desensitization, and cognitive restructuring, in a safe and supportive environment that allows you to heal from your past.
Different Types of Trauma
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Sexual assault and rape
- Domestic violence
- Traumatic brain injury
- Automobile or other physical accident
- Childhood neglect
- Natural disasters
- Bullying
- Mass shootings
- Military combat exposure
- Secondary trauma (witness to others' trauma and common in military personal, first responders, healthcare workers, animal welfare workers, etc.)
- Traumatic grief (sudden, unexpected, or tragic/violent death of loved one, including pets)
- Act of terrorism
- Generational trauma
PTSD
PTSD, or posttraumatic stress disorder, is a painful condition that can interfere with so many aspects of your life, including your relationships, your job or career, your health, and just your overall well-being. Not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, but there are some risk factors that may make you more vulnerable.
- Family history of depression or PTSD
- Having a co-existing disorder such as depression or anxiety
- Exposure to chronic trauma
- Brain chemistry
- Personality or temperament
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD
- Disturbing and intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Emotional and physical reactions to certain reminders or “triggers”
- Avoiding triggers, such as people or places that remind you of the trauma, or even avoiding talking or thinking about the trauma
- Feeling numb or hopeless
- Negativity toward self and others
- Loss of interest in things you once found pleasurable
- Trouble with memory and concentration
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Being hypervigilant or “on guard”
- Sleep difficulties
- Unhealthy coping skills, such as substance abuse
- Suicidal thoughts
Treatment for Trauma and/or PTSD
Treatment for both trauma recovery and PTSD includes such techniques as mood regulation, relaxation skills, desensitization, and cognitive restructuring, in a safe and supportive environment that allows you to heal from your past and build resiliency. Your counselor will help you to learn a variety of proven techniques to help you start to find symptom relief and balance in your life, including:
- Learning how sleep, exercise, and nutrition can affect your mood
- Managing your symptoms by challenging negative thinking patterns and adopting healthy thinking styles
- Adopting or changing certain behaviors to help relieve symptoms
- Incorporating self-care and stress management strategies into your daily life
- Developing healthy coping skills and tools
- Improving self-esteem and confidence
- Providing medical referrals for medication (if needed) and monitoring your progress
You Are Not Alone
If you feel like your life is being controlled by a past trauma, or you think you may be suffering from PTSD, please know that you don’t have to struggle alone. Our compassionate counselors are here to help you get your life back. Contact Us Here to learn more or to set up an appointment.