Our therapists offer trauma therapy in Dover, DE

A traumatic event can be an emotional, sexual, or physical one. It can vary widely in the time elapsed and individual responses. But all trauma has two things in common: no one deserves to go through it, and it can have detrimental effects on your life. Michelle Rosenthal says it like this:

“Trauma creates changes you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose.”

Thriveworks Dover understands that the mental and emotional scarring a traumatic event can cause makes it seem like healing from a trauma is impossible. Especially when it starts influencing your social life, your job, your ability to sleep, and so much more. These are real, valid doubts, just like your individual experience.

Yes, the pain, anxiety, depression, anger, and everything else that goes into the healing process is real. But they don’t have to weigh you down forever. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Healing from a trauma isn’t always comfortable, it can be exhausting and an uphill battle. Thriveworks Dover respects the strength it takes just to read this and reach out for help. It alone is a testament to your strength, the same strength that will carry you through this hard time and take back the peaceful, fulfilling life you deserve.

What Are Some Symptoms of Trauma?

The brain is an incredible organ that is processing millions of pieces of information every second. It’s through this that we can fully interact with the world, form memories, and feel emotions. But it’s also part of what makes the brain so susceptible to highly stressful and emotional events such as trauma.

A traumatic event can literally form new connections and close old ones in the brain. Trauma can reprogram us to act like we are always in danger, even when everything is entirely safe. How frustrating is it when you can’t even trust your own mind? If you’ve gone through a traumatic event, you know full well how much of an effect it can have. If the brain is so sensitive, is there hope?

Of course! As vulnerable as the brain is, it’s equally as resilient. Researchers use the term neuroplasticity to explain our brain’s remarkable ability to heal. It is more of a moldable plastic than solid stone, so although trauma can shape it, together we can shape it back.

There’s no definitive test or brain scan we can do to pinpoint whose brain is healthy and whose could use some gentle molding. But at the end of the day, a solid prognosis isn’t necessary. If you aren’t happy where you are in life, or are struggling in anyway, that is a good enough reason to come talk to a Thriveworks Dover counselor.

To help you make that decision, here are some common symptoms for people struggling with a trauma:

• Recurrent, painful dreams
• Flashbacks
• Emotional numbness
• Jittery/always on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hesitancy to open up to other people, even those you trusted before the trauma
• Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
• Diminished interest in activities you previously enjoy
• Difficulty feeling positive emotions
• A general feeling of detachment from the world or yourself
• Continuous feeling of discomfort in stomach and gut

Everyone’s experience with trauma will be different. This can be an isolating and lonely experience—even people who supposedly are going through what you are don’t quite understand your unique situation. That’s one of the reasons seeing a professional counselor can be helpful. Thriveworks Dover strives to make sure you’re not alone as you go through this process. We are here to listen and guide you toward your ideal self.

If you’re still on the edge about reaching out for help, it can never hurt to call. We can help walk you through the decision-making process and provide more details.

How Can We Help?

Thriveworks Dover counselors make sure to individualize each session. You and your experiences are unique, so the therapy process should be too. Our goal will always be to walk beside you, not tell you what to do. We have years of experience exploring the human psyche and learning the best ways to cultivate healing and growth, but you are the only expert on yourself. We are just here to help point a light at some of the darker areas.

Some of the proven techniques we use include:

• Education on the symptoms of trauma
• Learning effective coping skills when symptoms do flare up (things like relaxation exercises, anger-management techniques and guided imagery).
• Guidance on how to better manage sleep, exercise and diet—which may have been severely impacted by the traumatic event and are vital in the healing process.
• Identify and address any guilt, self-blame, or other negative emotions surrounding what happened. The trauma is not your fault.
• Walk through the lingering fear and anxiety. It can be painful, but the unaddressed emotions play a large part in the negative aftermath of a trauma.
• Address any comorbid struggles such as anxiety or depression.

Thriveworks Dover understands that coping with a trauma is complex, time consuming, and oftentimes exhausting. We are trained to maximize the healing process so you can get the life you want to have—the one you deserve—faster than before.

Your present does not have to be lost to your past. We are excited to hear from you and start the process of healing together