Therapy for Trauma and PTSD
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or experience.
What is Trauma?
Trauma can be a highly distressing experience that evokes feelings of fear, helplessness, dissociation, and confusion. It is a difficult event that can have a lasting negative impact on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and overall functioning. Seeking support from a therapist can help individuals process and heal from trauma.
What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can develop after a traumatic event, characterized by persistent symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors that significantly impact daily life.
Causes, Symptoms, and Effects
Emotional and psychological trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or situation that breaks your sense of security. Traumatic experiences often involve a direct threat to life or safety, but anything that leaves you feeling overwhelmed or isolated can also result in trauma.
Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:
– Fatigue and/or exhaustion
– Difficulty sleeping
– Headaches
– Gastrointestinal issues
– Shaking
– Rapid breathing
– Sweating
– Muscle tension and pain
Emotional Symptoms
Emotional symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can vary but often include:
– Fear
– Horror
– Anger
– Guilt
– Shame
– Detached/Lonely
– Persistent negative thoughts about self and others
Behavioral Symptoms
Possible behavioral symptoms of PTSD include:
– Irritable behavior and/or angry outbursts
– Reckless or self-destructive behavior
– Hypervigilance
– Exaggerated startle response
– Problems with concentration
– Avoidance of triggers
– Diminished interest or participation in significant activities, or those that were previously enjoyable
Long-Term Effects
Without adequate support and intervention, individuals experiencing trauma and PTSD may suffer profound and enduring effects on both their mental and physical well-being, such as:
– Anxiety
– Severe depression
– Substance abuse
– Chronic pain and/or illness
– Social isolation
– Increased risk of suicidal ideation
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Ready to take the next step? Let’s bring your vision to life! Explore our services and get in touch today to schedule your free consultation with one of our therapists to learn how we can help you. Together, we’ll make it happen!
Types of Trauma
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma is caused by a single incident can be just as impactful and overwhelming as ongoing trauma. It can trigger intense emotions and have long-lasting effects on a person’s mental health. Seeking therapy and support can help individuals process and overcome the trauma they experienced.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma, such as repeated domestic violence or abuse, can have devastating effects on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. The prolonged exposure to harmful experiences can make it difficult for a person to cope and heal. Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for healing from chronic trauma.
“High-Functioning” Trauma
People who exhibit symptoms of trauma, such as PTSD or C-PTSD, while appearing to function well in their daily lives, are often referred to as having “high-functioning trauma”. Although it is not an official diagnosis, these individuals may successfully navigate daily tasks and relationships, yet still face ongoing challenges related to their traumatic experiences.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual. These traumatic events are often deeply personal and invasive, and individuals may experience them multiple times, compounding the effects. Keystone Therapy Group provides specialized services to support those who have experienced complex trauma, helping them heal and regain control of their lives.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
Did you know that every therapist at Keystone Therapy Group is a Certified Trauma Professional? Our team prioritizes creating a safe and trusting environment for our clients, where they can feel comfortable opening up without fear of judgment. We are dedicated to providing compassionate care for those seeking support on their mental health journey.
What to Expect in Therapy for Trauma & PTSD
Therapy for trauma and PTSD is a personalized process that may differ for each individual. Through a collaborative approach, we work towards helping you heal and develop effective coping strategies.
The first couple sessions of therapy are focused on building the connection between therapist and client. This provides safety and stability for the client to move through therapy.
Once rapport is established, your therapist will make sure you have effective coping skills and are comfortable with using them, and knowing when to use them.
The specific steps of therapy now depend on the therapeutic approach your therapist uses and deems most appropriate for your therapy work. This can be CBT, ACT, EFT, DBT, EMDR, or more!
“Processing” of trauma can look different for each client. In every case, the goal is to help clients understand how their trauma experience continues to impact them in the present, and alleviate those ongoing distressing experiences.
Once clients are able to regain a sense of control over their lives and experience a decrease in symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors related to their trauma, the therapist will shift to focus on establishing stability, and maintaining the beautiful growth and healing made in therapy!
contact Us
Ready to Heal from your trauma?
We offer therapy for trauma and PTSD in Burke, or online trauma therapy throughout Virginia. Sessions are by appointment only.
Send us a request and we’ll schedule your free consultation!