Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime - whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, 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 struggle with the effects of lasting trauma. That 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 therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms according to DSM-5 may include:
Avoidance Symptoms
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Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
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Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
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Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
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Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
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Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
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Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
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Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
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Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
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Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
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Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know experiences the trauma symptoms listed above, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.