Trauma | PTSD
You’ve been through a lot. And you’ve come a long way.
But there are nights that you can’t sleep. You are constantly on-guard, watchful, or easily startled. Perhaps, there is a feeling of being numb or detached. Or you may find that you avoid people, places, and things that bring up “bad” memories.
You don’t have to go through this alone. There is a path forward and counseling can help in your journey toward healing.
What is trauma?
We all experience adversity during our lifetimes. And many people will experience a traumatic event over the course of a lifetime. Sometimes, however, the traumatic event can overwhelm our ability to cope. This is especially true when the experience is very distressing, frightening, life-threatening, or physically/emotionally harmful.
Examples of trauma include war/combat, natural disaster, physical assault, sexual assault, accidents, illnesses, witnessing bodily harm or death, and exposure to school violence.
Some types of trauma may fly under the radar but may continue to impact our lives long after the traumatic event(s). Childhood abuse and neglect are examples. Witnessing domestic violence during childhood is another example.
How does trauma show up in my life?
We all have bad memories and fears that seem to creep in when we least expect them. But if you are a trauma survivor, your past doesn’t feel like it’s in the past. It keeps showing up in your present.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) refers to a series of reactions that arise in response to trauma. Some of the ways that PTSD | trauma show up are:
Trouble sleeping.
Repeated, disturbing, unwanted memories/dreams or flashbacks.
Feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, shame, grief, or sadness. Feeling very upset and/or having a strong physical reaction when something reminds you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)
Avoiding people, places, activities, things, memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience
Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or loving feelings for people close to you). Also, feeling distant or cut off from people.
Being "super alert", easily startled, watchful or on guard.
Why would something that happened way back in childhood still impact me?
Childhood experiences and interactions influence brain development. Early experiences shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world. In childhood, you form attachments with adults and learn how to cope with life’s challenges. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments in childhood are the building blocks for future healthy relationships and coping skills. Negative experiences can contribute to poorer mental and physical health as adults.
Although you cannot undo the past, you can heal from it. And you can change generational narratives and interrupt cycles of abuse. Counseling can help you strengthen the tools you need to challenge old narratives, overcome trust issues, make more meaningful connections with others, or regain your sense of emotional balance.
How does trauma affect my relationships?
Trauma can show up in different ways.
It can block you from connecting with others. Intimacy can be challenging. You might keep people at arm’s length even though you really want to connect and experience intimacy.
You may find that you blow-up or completely shut down when triggered, creating further distance in the relationship.
It can be hard to share your thoughts and feelings, especially in a vulnerable way.
You or your partner may feel isolated or alone in the relationship.
Recovery and Healing
Just as trauma has many dimensions, so too does recovery and healing. Healing is an individual experience. What works for one person may not work for another. You may find comfort in trusted friends, family, allies, or spiritual fellowship. Or if you find interaction with other people too difficult or exhausting, you may find solace through connecting with nature, a loyal pet, exercise, mediation, prayer, art, music, or reading.
However, if you are experiencing ongoing fear, confusion, relationship challenges, emotional pain, or other other symptoms of trauma, counseling can be helpful.
“One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.”
— Brene Brown
Counseling
Treating trauma | PTSD is complicated, challenging, deeply personal, and never one size fits all. Each person is different. Counseling is about doing what feels right for you. Some people feel the need to revisit their experiences to heal. But you may not feel this way. Counseling doesn’t always mean processing all the details. It is possible to progress through treatment and experience healing without sharing your entire story.
Counseling can help you identify what you need to overcome the impact of the trauma. I’m here to help you as you move toward the life that you want.
All services are offered online. No in-person services are available.