“…And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s racial, social or gender based trauma, a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, birth trauma, exposure to the violence of war or, as a first responder, or a natural disaster.
While some people can recover from trauma without therapy, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, anger, anxiety, irritability, depression, fear, confusion, 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.
Some Common Trauma Symptoms 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 psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, an attachment focused psychodynamic approach and the utilization of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, EMDR , Brainspotting and Experiential/ Gestalt interventions are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know is impacted by trauma, Our trauma informed clinicians can support your healing journey.