Trauma is an experience that causes distress and has a lasting or long-term impact on an individual. For example, an individual who is physically or emotionally abused, a victim of bullying, a military veteran—all of these individuals can be considered victims of trauma. As you can see, there are a variety of events that can cause trauma; the decisive factor is whether or not the event or experience had a serious psychological impact.
Victims of trauma can struggle in any and all areas of life after their experience. The good news, though, is that there is help available to these individuals. Trauma therapists and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapists specialize in helping people to heal after trauma, which involves processing the event, managing emotions, and identifying their new normal. If you are a victim of trauma, be sure that you take the steps to heal properly. Consider working with a trauma therapist who has the right skills and training to assist you.
“I did not ask for the things that I’ve been through, and I certainly did not ask my mind to paint and repaint the pictures in flashback form.” –Michelle Groth
Trauma and PTSD can make you feel terrible: it can come with troubling memories and flashbacks that put you right back in the distressing event. Know that you don’t have to manage these symptoms alone. A trauma therapist or psychologist at Thriveworks in Framingham can help you process your trauma, manage your symptoms, and live better post-trauma. They will lead with their caring nature and, of course, their skills and tools specific to trauma. If you are ready to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (508) 392-4269. We’ll be here.
Common Symptoms of PTSD: Nightmares, Flashbacks…
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that 7 or 8 out of every 100 people in the US will have PTSD at one point in their lives. Additionally, 8 million US adults are facing PTSD in any given year. As we touched on above, one can develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event, be it a physically or mentally dangerous event. Garrett Ellis, Licensed Mental Health Counselor at our Framingham office explains what this might look like: “The major symptoms of PTSD include recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive memories of a traumatic event, distressing dreams related to the event(s), flashbacks, avoidance of or efforts to avoid distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the traumatic event(s), avoidance of external reminders (people, places, activities, situations, etc.), persistent feelings of fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame, etc., hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, and difficulty focusing and concentrating.”
Are you currently experiencing a combination of the above symptoms? Do you feel helpless or hopeless after your traumatic event? Get the help and support you need in trauma therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Framingham.
How Does Trauma and PTSD Therapy Work?
There are several effective approaches to trauma or PTSD therapy, which include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Your therapist will first get to know you a little better before they determine the best plan of treatment. They will want to know about the symptoms you have been experiencing, as well as any goals you have identified for this process.
That said, you can count on a supportive space for working through your trauma at Thriveworks Counseling. “Experiencing trauma is life-changing, and can have a great impact on our ability to function effectively. Therapy can help by establishing a safe, trusting, and secure professional relationship, learning effective coping mechanisms that allow one to manage their symptoms, and defining the trauma and exploring its impact on function,” says Ellis. “It is through this process that the individual can work through their trauma, gain insight and skills, and begin working towards recovery.”
Schedule a Trauma Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks Framingham
Trauma can have a long-term, even lasting impact on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. While it isn’t our fault that we witnessed such a distressing event, it is our responsibility to ensure that we get the help that we need. Find help and healing in trauma therapy at Thriveworks Counseling in Framingham.
We have trauma and PTSD therapists on staff who are ready to assist you on your journey. If or when you are ready to schedule your appointment, give us a call at (508) 392-4269.
