Trauma can be defined simply as any adverse event that overwhelms ones ability to cope/function. There is a spectrum of traumas ranging from child abuse to surviving war or a violent sexual assault. No two trauma’s are alike and therefore cannot be treated the same. It is important to work with a therapist who understands this fundamental idea. Your trauma is a unique experience and your treatment should reflect your personal preferences/needs.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, 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.

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. It is important to explore all of the treatment approaches available before starting to engage in treatment. My approach to trauma is a blended one incorporating CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and Narrative Therapy. I honor your individual preferences and needs as we build a safe and trusting relationship that can help you to heal from your traumatic past.

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.