Trauma & PTSD

(Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma is a word used to describe a response following an event that was considered by our nervous system as life- threatening to oneself or others, often causing emotional, physical, and social harm. It can be anything from a car accident or natural disaster to abuse or violence.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a type of mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect anyone, the loss of a loved one, physical violence, a vehicle accident, or sexual assault are events that can lead to trauma.

Symptoms of PTSD

People with PTSD may experience a range of symptoms, including:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories of the traumatic event

  • Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

  • Negative changes in thoughts and mood

  • Hyperarousal, such as being easily startled or feeling on edge

These symptoms can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life.

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy can be a crucial part of healing from trauma and managing PTSD. Here's how:

  • Creating a Safe Space: Therapy provides a safe and supportive environment where you can talk about your experiences without judgment.

  • Learning Coping Skills: Therapists can teach you coping skills to manage symptoms like anxiety and intrusive thoughts. This might include relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, or ways to challenge negative thoughts.

  • Processing Trauma: Through techniques like EMDR, therapy helps you process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled way, reducing their emotional impact over time.

  • Building Resilience: Therapy can help you build resilience and develop a sense of empowerment, so you feel better equipped to cope with challenges and move forward in life.

Therapy is not a quick fix, but with time and effort, it can help you feel better and regain control of your life.