Trauma Therapy
Have you suffered a traumatic experience that is negatively impacting your life?
Are you feeling unsafe or on edge due to your traumatic experience?
Do you have difficulty letting your guard down and trusting others?
Do you avoid certain places or activities?
Do you have trouble sleeping or experience intrusive thoughts or images of the trauma?
Trauma impacts our lives in many ways, and it can be extremely difficult to navigate the negative thoughts and feelings, as well as the potentially harmful behaviors, that can come with it. Trauma therapy can help you understand and process current and past impacts of your trauma and build skills so that it doesn’t continue to influence your life in an invasive way.
Right now, you may have intrusive thoughts or constantly replay the traumatic experience, making it difficult to sleep or focus on tasks. You may isolate yourself and avoid places or situations that remind you of your trauma. It may be hard to trust people or form new relationships. You may have a hard time speaking up for yourself and not feel worthy or deserving of good things in your life.
Trauma therapy can help.
It is Common to Experience a Traumatic Event
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, most people will experience a traumatic event in their life that could lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and they could benefit from therapy. Risk factors for experiencing trauma vary based on life experiences and other factors, such as race and ethnicity, religion, sexuality, disability status, or gender. For example, women are more likely to be sexually assaulted, whereas men are more likely to be physically assaulted, involved in an accident, or witness death or injury. Those who identify as transgender or nonbinary are at an even higher risk of experiencing a traumatic event.
Many individuals who have experienced trauma have sought help through trauma therapy and other means, but many others continue to suffer in silence. You don’t have to do the same.
Trauma Can Result from Any Number of Experiences
Trauma develops from exposure to a real or perceived threat. It takes on many forms, from abuse to experiencing a sudden loss to health emergencies to assault, and it must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Two people can go through a similar traumatic experience but come away having completely different feelings and responses. Many factors—including your upbringing, support system, and access to resources—influence how you respond to a traumatic situation. However, no matter your response to the trauma, trauma counseling can help you process and improve the way you’re feeling.
In general, there are two types of trauma: acute trauma and chronic trauma.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma is the result of a one-time life-altering experience, such as physical or sexual assault, a car accident, or the loss of a loved one. After these experiences, some people can move forward in a healthy way, whereas others feel stuck and consumed by the trauma. They may feel on edge, have flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or panic attacks. They may experience sleep disturbances and have a harder time navigating their emotions. They may also feel anxious or depressed, which can be signs of PTSD.
Trauma therapy can help you navigate these experiences and move forward in a healthy, positive way.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma develops from prolonged exposure to negative, abusive, or neglectful experiences. This commonly stems from childhood experiences but can also develop as an adult. You may have had a physically abusive parent, been bullied, or felt trapped in an emotionally abusive relationship. Being in these long-term situations can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD. These experiences may make it difficult to connect with others and form healthy relationships. It can also negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth, which affects how we view ourselves, the decisions we make, and how we live our lives. People who have experienced chronic trauma are at higher risk for developing complex trauma, which develops when someone has experienced multiple traumas.
Trauma Therapy Can Improve Your Quality of Life
Research has shown various forms of therapy, such as exposure and desensitization therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and psychodynamic therapy can be effective treatment for trauma. The approach our trauma therapists take depends on whether you’ve experienced acute or chronic trauma, the symptoms you’re experiencing now, and the role the traumatic event is playing in your life.
No matter your experiences, our therapists focus on meeting you where you’re comfortable. We don’t dive into your trauma from the start unless you’re ready. Instead, we focus on getting to know you and your life experiences, which can impact how you respond to a traumatic event. Once you’re ready, we want to understand your traumatic experiences and the ways in which they impact you. That way, we can determine how you’re struggling and what you want to see be better or different. Depending on your trauma counselor and your experience, we may use narrative exposure therapy, where you describe emotions, thoughts, sensory information, and physiological responses to the traumatic situation in detail.
Since our thoughts and feelings drive our responses to traumatic situations, we also use evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT and ACT. These approaches involve changing the way we think—because if we think differently, the way we feel and act changes, even if the circumstances can’t be changed. We also teach coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, and journaling to help you navigate difficult moments when you’re being triggered by your trauma.
Depending on the traumatic experience, your confidence may be negatively impacted. You may doubt yourself or feel insecure or unsafe. You may not trust your judgment. Your sense of self may feel lost. As a result, your trauma treatment may also include a strength-based approach to help you rebuild your confidence and get you back to living your life the way you want.
Our trauma therapists pride themselves on being trauma-informed. Many have undergone specialized training in working with trauma and have received certifications. Throughout their careers, they have worked in healthcare settings that have allowed them to treat diverse individuals who have experienced a wide range of acute and chronic trauma throughout life.
You Still May Have Doubts About Trauma Therapy
Talking about my trauma would be too overwhelming.
Talking about your trauma can feel scary. There are hard moments, but your trauma therapist will be there to support you and guide you through them, which will ultimately lead to healing and growth. It will provide you with the opportunity to feel more secure and confident so that you can live the life you want for yourself.
Trauma Therapy won’t change what happened.
It’s true that talking about your trauma won’t change what happened, but it can allow you to redefine the ways in which it impacts your life. It can help you regain a sense of control and build understanding for yourself. It can help you determine where you want to go next and how you can get there without your trauma getting in the way.
Will my trauma therapist understand what I’ve been through?
Perspective’s trauma therapists understand that every person is different—and has different needs. That’s why they take time to get to know you and tailor their approach accordingly. They are compassionate and do their best to meet you where you are and stay by your side throughout your journey, so that you feel secure and comfortable. Their goal is to create a safe non-judgmental space so you can get the most out of trauma counseling.
You Can Take Control of Your Trauma
Trauma doesn’t have to define you, and our trauma counselors are here to help. We understand reaching out and getting started is often the hardest part. That’s why we try to make it as easy as possible by allowing you to schedule online at your convenience.
You can also request a free 15-minute consultation to get a feel for your trauma therapist and ensure they’re the right fit. We value the opportunity to help you navigate this journey.
