Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a 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.
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 discover the effects of lasting trauma, which 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 are 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
Therapy for Trauma
Healing and Recovery from Trauma
At Connections Counseling, we recognize the profound impact that trauma can have on your life. Trauma—whether from a single event or ongoing experiences—can deeply affect your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective support to help you navigate your path to healing and recovery.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, distressed, or unsafe. These experiences can have a lasting impact on your sense of self, your relationships, and your overall quality of life.
Types of Trauma:
Acute Trauma: Results from a single distressing event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or assault.
Chronic Trauma: Arises from repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing situations, such as ongoing abuse or neglect.
Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature, such as domestic violence or childhood abuse.
Developmental Trauma: Occurs during critical periods of development, often in childhood, affecting emotional and psychological growth.
Common Trauma Symptoms:
Intrusive Memories: Recurrent, distressing thoughts or flashbacks related to the traumatic event.
Avoidance: Steering clear of reminders or discussions about the trauma, leading to social withdrawal or emotional numbness.
Hyperarousal: Heightened alertness, irritability, or difficulty sleeping. You may also experience heightened startle responses or anxiety.
Emotional Distress: Persistent feelings of sadness, anger, or guilt that affect daily functioning and relationships.
Difficulty Trusting Others: Struggles with forming or maintaining relationships due to fear of being hurt or betrayed.
Self-Blame and Shame: Feeling responsible for the trauma or experiencing intense feelings of shame or self-blame.
How We Can Help
Our approach to trauma therapy is holistic and tailored to your individual needs. We offer a range of therapeutic modalities to support you in your journey to recovery:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): A structured, evidence-based approach that helps you process and reframe negative thoughts related to the trauma, while developing coping strategies.
Accelerated Resolution Theray (ART): A therapeutic technique that helps you process and integrate traumatic memories through guided eye movements, reducing the emotional charge of distressing memories.
Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on the body’s responses to trauma, helping you to release and process stored physical tension and stress related to traumatic experiences.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy: Helps you explore and heal internal conflicts and parts of yourself affected by trauma, fostering self-compassion and integration.
Supportive Counseling: Provides a safe and empathetic space to talk about your experiences, build resilience, and work towards emotional healing.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Incorporates mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded and present, reducing the impact of trauma-related stress and anxiety.
Benefits of Trauma Therapy:
Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Develop skills to manage and cope with the emotional aftermath of trauma, building strength and adaptability.
Improved Mental Health: Address symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, working towards emotional stability and well-being.
Restored Sense of Safety: Rebuild your sense of security and trust in yourself and others, improving your ability to engage in healthy relationships.
Increased Self-Compassion: Foster a more compassionate relationship with yourself, addressing feelings of self-blame and shame.
Renewed Life Perspective: Gain new insights and perspectives on your experiences, helping you move forward with hope and purpose.
Begin Your Journey to Healing
At Connections Counseling, we are committed to providing compassionate, effective support for those affected by trauma. Our experienced therapists are here to guide you through the healing process, helping you reclaim your life and well-being.
Reach Out to Us Today
Contact us to learn more about how trauma therapy can support your recovery. Together, we can work towards healing and a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), narrative therapy, internal family systems therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, somatic therapy are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the trauma symptoms listed above, we can help and invite you to contact us today