Trauma COUNSELING

WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Trauma is a psychological or emotional response to any distressing or life-threatening event. This can refer to a wide range of life events. Some examples of life events that may cause trauma are a life-altering accident, illness or injury, losing a loved one, or divorce.

Because our experiences are subjective and there is such a wide variety of the types of trauma that one can experience, psychologists use the word “trauma” as more of a blanket to term.

TRAUMA SYMPTOMS

Shock and denial are typical reactions at the time of a traumatic event. However a trauma survivor may experience other symptoms long term. Some of these symptoms are:

• Anger
• Persistent feelings of sadness and despair
• Flashbacks
• Feelings of isolation and hopelessness
• Physical symptoms, such as nausea and headaches
• Survivor’s Guilt

In many cases, trauma survivors can develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Those with PTSD have persistent thoughts and memories about their traumatic experience and lasting severe trauma symptoms.

TREATMENT FOR TRAUMA

Because everyone’s experience of trauma is different, every trauma treatment is unique and tailored to the trauma survivor. The following therapies are effective in treating trauma:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Exposure Therapy
• Talk Therapy
• Mindfulness
• EDMR

These modalities can be used in conjunction with each other to treat both the conscious and unconscious mind.

WHY SEEK HELP?

It is important to know that you are not alone and it is possible to heal from psychological and emotional trauma. Working with a counselor who specializes in trauma can help you cope with your trauma in a healthy way and help you learn to feel safe again.

Trauma Therapists at Gibson Counseling