Psychological trauma can have acute and lasting effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Psychologically, it can lead to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts, causing severe emotional distress. Trauma survivors often experience heightened anxiety, depression, and a sense of numbness or emotional detachment. Additionally, trauma can erode one's sense of safety and trust in others and society, making it challenging to form healthy relationships and engage in daily life activities. Physically, the body's stress response can be permanently altered, potentially leading to chronic health issues. Coping with trauma often requires professional help and support to heal and regain a sense of stability and resilience. Professionals in this field employ evidence-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and somatic experiencing to guide individuals through reprocessing and reintegrating their memories. Professionals working with trauma create a safe and supportive environment where survivors can explore their trauma narratives, learn coping strategies, and ultimately find a path toward healing.
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5.
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 to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.