Trauma & PTSD

Therapy for Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Do you find yourself struggling with daily tasks, such as going to the grocery store or working because of unwanted distressing thoughts of past traumatic events? Do you often feel on edge, agitated, or anxious for no apparent reason? Do you tend to “zone out,” dissociate, or experience flashbacks? Is it difficult to be around other people and connect with loved ones? 

If you answered yes to these questions, you might be suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

You are not alone. Experiencing trauma is not rare. About 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Women are more likely to experience domestic violence, sexual assault, and childhood sexual abuse while men are more likely to go through accidents, physical assault, combat, or witness death or injury. 

Signs and Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress

People react to traumatic events differently. In fact, a traumatic event can be hard to define because it can be different for each person. A traumatic event for one person might be a slight inconvenience for another. However, research has found that there are some common symptoms that many trauma survivors experience. Below are some symptoms that could indicate Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Intrusive Symptoms

• Intrusive memories of the traumatic event or events that seem to come to your mind frequently. These thoughts are unwanted and make you feel uncomfortable.
• Frequent distressing dreams about the traumatic event.
• Feeling like you or your surroundings are not real. You might also feel like the traumatic event is happening to you again.
• Feeling anxious and uncomfortable when you’re reminded of the traumatic event.
• Physical reactions to reminders of the trauma including heart racing, sweating, breathing changes, nausea.

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding people, places, conversations, activities, objects, and situations that remind you of the traumatic event.
• Trying to avoid any thoughts or memories related to the traumatic event.

Negative Mood

• Trouble remembering important parts of the trauma. 
• You might find yourself thinking negatively of yourself, others, and the world. Beliefs such as “I am bad” or “People cannot be trusted” or “The world is a dangerous place” are common after a traumatic event.
• Blaming yourself or others for the traumatic event or for the problems from the traumatic event.
• Feeling feelings such as fear, anger, or shame much of the time. 
• A loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy like hobbies. 
• Feeling distant or cut off from other people. Feeling like others do not understand you. Having very few people you feel close to.
• Difficulty feeling positive emotions such as love, happiness, joy, or satisfaction.

Hyperarousal

• Irritable behavior and angry outbursts that seem to happen out of the blue. Typically outbursts occur as verbal or physical aggression toward people or objects.
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior.
• Feeling on edge and constantly being on the lookout for danger.
• Becoming easily startled by sudden noises.
• Problems with concentration
• Problems with sleep such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.

PTSD in Children

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in children involves the same types of symptoms as adults. However, PTSD might look different in children. For example, a child might reenact the traumatic event in play or discuss the traumatic event and not appear distressed by the memories at all. Flashbacks can also occur during play and look like the child is completely immersed in play, as if the traumatic event was occurring at that moment. A child might also withdraw from play or isolate themselves from friends and family or appear very anxious during times of separation from parents. Extreme temper tantrums can also be a sign of PTSD. Children can also appear to regress developmentally, for example by wetting the bed or forgetting or being unable to talk.

Mental Health After Trauma

Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. In fact, about 6% of the population will have PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD (8%) compared to men (4%). 

Many reasons contribute to why some people develop PTSD over others. For example, certain aspects of the traumatic event as well as genetic factors can play a role in the development of PTSD. One thing is for certain: PTSD is not a sign of weakness, and it is certainly not your fault. 

Even if you do not experience all the symptoms of PTSD mentioned above, going through a traumatic event will probably have some effect on your overall well-being and mental health. Therapy can help.

How is PTSD Treated?

It is very important to know that PTSD is treatable, and you do not have to suffer alone. An experienced mental health professional will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you, which usually involves therapy, medication, or both.

People with trauma history might also experience symptoms of panic disorder, eating disorders, depression, or substance abuse. It is very important that all aspects of your current suffering are taken seriously and treated appropriately.

There are several evidence-based treatments, meaning the treatment approach has been studied and proven to be effective, for PTSD. These include:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, including Prolonged Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Restructuring. These approaches involve exposing oneself to trauma reminders in a gradual safe way as well as managing the negative thoughts and emotions related to what happened.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is designed to resolve unprocessed trauma memories in the brain. Because of the body’s normal reaction to stress, the flight-fight-or-freeze response, many trauma-related memories are not formed or processed in a productive way. EMDR helps unpack trauma memories and store them appropriately.
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), is an evidence-based psychotherapy method that swiftly addresses trauma, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Developed by Laney Rosenzweig, it integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR, and guided imagery, with a unique focus on rapid and rhythmic eye movements to expedite the processing of distressing memories. This technique aims to reframe negative thoughts and emotions, facilitating positive changes in emotional well-being. ART’s efficiency stands out, often achieving positive outcomes in a shorter time frame compared to traditional approaches.
• Medications, especially Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are often helpful in managing PTSD symptoms.

Working with a qualified mental health professional also often involves using other approaches as:

• Mindfulness
• Stress management
• Finding healthy, alternative coping mechanisms and avoiding drugs and alcohol
• Finding a healthy balance with daily activities, such as balanced meals, adequate sleep, and an appropriate amount of exercise
• Seeking social support from peer support groups, family, and friends

Getting Started

Many of our HCFVL therapists are trained in the some or all of the above types of therapies for trauma and PTSD. More specific information is listed in each therapists’ profile. We understand that taking the next step toward healing can feel overwhelming or frightening. If you have questions about how therapy might benefit you, please give us a call or send us an email. 

Read more about trauma and its treatment on our blog!

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Finding Meaning after Trauma