What exactly is meant by trauma and PTSD?
Trauma can be experienced in a number of life situations and circumstances. It can range from an extremely difficult and painful life experience to something that is life threatening. It can be a one time experience or something that happens repeatedly over a period of time. Whatever the situation or circumstances, trauma is distressing and overwhelming.
For some people it may lead to symptoms of PTSD, which include continuing to remember the experience (in thoughts or nightmares), changes in the way you think and feel about yourself and the world around you (e.g., feeling guilty, not feeling safe in the world), feeling more emotional or aroused (e.g., startling easily, difficulty sleeping, struggles with irritability/anger, difficulty concentrating), and trying to avoid reminders of the experience at all costs (e.g., not going certain places, using substances). These symptoms can start immediately after the traumatic life experience, or for some it might be years until they start experiencing these symptoms. They also might come and go over time.
Everyone has a different reaction to trauma, but one common theme is that these experiences have a significant impact on the quality of your life. This may include affecting your relationships, work, or school, among other areas. It often leads people to be living their life in ways that don’t feel healthy or in line with their values.
Counseling for trauma and PTSD:
I appreciate you even starting to look for help, especially because trust can often be so difficult after you’ve had these types of life experiences. We will work to build trust and an environment that feels safe for you. We will then work together to come up with a plan to address what you are experiencing.
I am trained in a number of evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD. Our work might include treatment that helps you develop coping skills when symptoms are triggered. It may also be addressing ways of being that might have been adaptive during traumatic situations (e.g., being really alert to your surroundings), but no longer serve you and are causing issues in your life. We might also work to process your experience of trauma, which can reduce the power it has over you in your current day life. Or maybe we will address how your beliefs have changed since experiencing trauma. Our approach will likely involve a combination of the above. We will make decisions about your treatment as a team and work to help you reclaim your life and what’s important to you.
