Counseling for Trauma
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime. Whether we experience an awful car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster, we are all vulnerable.
While many people can recover from trauma with the love and support of family and friends, others may experience lasting effects including deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, flashbacks, or post traumatic 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, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma. Medication may also facilitate relief.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, we are confident that we can help and invite you to contact us today.