Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime. Trauma doesn’t only refer to experiencing abuse or neglect, a life-threatening illness or accident, the sudden death of a loved one, violence, war, or a natural disaster. Trauma can refer to any subjectively overwhelming, disturbing, or extremely devaluing experience. In fact, trauma is defined more by your mind and body’s response than its trigger.

While some people may recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends, others may discover 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 is fundamental to healing from trauma.

Trauma symptoms may include:

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 psychotherapies like EMDR and IFS to be highly effective and efficient forms of treatment for trauma.

If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.