Many people have some kind of traumatic experience in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, a violent parent or neighborhood, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.

Recovery from such terrible experiences requires the love and support of family and friends, which help a person bounce back with resiliency.  Recovery has everything to do with the recognition that a terrible event has occurred. Recovery has everything to do with the all-out support of loved ones and possibly even professionals.  

However, when there is no immediate support for a survivor, no comfort, no recognition that something terrible has happened, then that is when a person can be marked by the experience. They may carry the scars of lasting psychological trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress long after the event has passed.

In the circumstances of PTSD, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing.

Trauma Symptoms

There are four categories 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 has the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.