Counseling for Trauma

Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.

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

Complex trauma or C-PTSD may include the following additional symptoms:

• A negative self-view: People with c-PTSD may feel ashamed, guilty, or helpless after experiencing long-lasting trauma. These feelings can continue well after the trauma itself has stopped.
• Difficulty controlling emotions: C-PTSD can cause people to have trouble regulating their feelings. They may struggle with explosive anger, depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
• Relationship difficulties: Past experiences may make it harder for people with C-PTSD to trust others, which can strain relationships. They may also find themselves in unhealthy relationships that resemble past ones.

C-PTSD symptoms aren’t set in stone. You may experience depersonalization and depression at one time, then shift to a period of emotional outbursts, anger, or suicidal thoughts at another.

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, but there are other approaches to trauma, especially complex trauma, that are effective. I am a certified clinical trauma professional and I specialize in complex or developmental trauma — the kind of trauma response that develops from insecure attachment wounds and creates unhealthy relationship patterns into adulthood. I specialize in methods to help you heal complex trauma symptoms, including trauma-focused equine-assisted psychotherapy, somatic work, and polyvagal exercises.

If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to schedule a Discovery Call today.