Trauma Counseling
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Traumatic experiences are incredibly common—70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced some type of traumatic event at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, trauma can have lingering effects on an individual’s life, increasing the risk of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. However, it is never too late to seek help coping with trauma. Trauma-informed therapy can help you do just that.
What causes trauma?
Trauma can stem from a variety of different events, including sexual or physical abuse, childhood neglect, witnessing acts of violence, historical or generational trauma, accidents and natural disasters, and the loss of a loved one. These are events that everyone experiences differently. Trauma occurs when events like these trigger feelings of intense fear, horror, and helplessness.
How does trauma affect mental health?
Experiencing trauma physically alters the brain. Over-activation of certain areas of the brain during and after traumatic experiences creates extreme sensitivities that can alter the way you think and act. For example, you may become hypervigilant and constantly on alert. Alternatively, you may experience intrusive thoughts that lead to emotional swings, outbursts of anger, or nightmares and flashbacks. Other symptoms of trauma include:
- Difficulty trusting others
- Self-blame and guilt
- Lowered interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Body aches and increased vulnerability to illnesses like the cold or flu
- Tendency to isolate or avoid social situations
- Sweating and heart palpitations
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling easily startled or frightened
- Fatigue
Anyone can experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health disorders resulting from trauma. Symptoms may be immediately apparent, or they may become more pronounced over time.
What happens during trauma-informed therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy may take many forms. Talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), exposure therapy, and group therapy are all common. In any type of trauma therapy, your therapist will help you better understand the source of your trauma, reestablish feelings of safety, identify triggers, develop healthy coping skills, and practice trauma processing. Ultimately, the goal is to help you become desensitized to negative memories and move forward with healthy coping strategies that allow you to regain control in your life.
No one should have to cope with trauma on their own. At Integrated Behavioral Health, we can help you identify the right type of therapy to suit your recovery and help you move forward. Our providers work with patients of all ages with unparalleled care and support. Contact us to begin your healing journey.