Counseling for Trauma
Trauma can happen to anyone across the lifespan, for various reasons and in various circumstances. Trauma can show up later in life, if we experienced it in childhood, in the form of physical symptoms, anxiety, and/or nightmares. It can also show up as an acute event at any age. However it shows up for you, trauma can be very distressing on the body and mind, but there is support and ways to cope.
There are many therapeutic modalities that can assist with calming and regulating the immune system to help you cope with symptoms, memories, and distress.
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) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms above, please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can support you.