Trauma is a very stressful, distressing or frightening event that is difficult to cope with and out of our control. Most people will experience some form of trauma in their lifetime. Examples of trauma range from single shocking events like a car accident, assault or a natural disaster to ongoing repeated experiences like childhood abuse, domestic violence or discrimination. Being a witness to violence or distressing events can also lead to trauma.
While many people can recover from trauma with the love and support of their family and friends, others may discover lasting effects of trauma. These can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress far after the event has passed.
Some examples of trauma symptoms are listed below.
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
Research has proven psychotherapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to be effective forms of treatment for trauma.
I am confident that my training in both can help and I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.