Trauma Therapy in Hampstead, NC—Therapists and Counselors for Trauma and PTSD

Trauma refers to an event or circumstance that causes physical or emotional harm, with lasting effects on the individual’s physical, emotional, or mental self. Examples of trauma include domestic violence, bullying, sexual abuse, a natural disaster, or serious injury. As you can see, a variety of incidents can be traumatic. And they can impact one’s life in various ways, too. For example, one might have frightening dreams, obsessive disturbing thoughts, or uncontrollable physical reactions to triggers that remind them of the traumatic event.

“Trauma shatters your most basic assumptions about yourself and your world—‘Life is good,’ ‘I’m safe,’ ‘People are kind,’ ‘I can trust others,’ ‘The future is likely to be good’—and replaces them with feelings like, ‘The world is dangerous,’ ‘I can’t win,’ ‘I can’t trust other people…’”

–Mark Goulston

If a traumatic event goes unaddressed, an individual might develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is characterized by troubling symptoms, such as those mentioned above (e.g., frightening dreams, disturbing thoughts, etc.), as well as self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance, irritability, and more.

The good news is that survivors of trauma can work with a trauma therapist to properly address their traumatic experience and manage the harmful symptoms of PTSD. If you have witnessed a traumatic event, consider partnering up with a trauma therapist at Thriveworks Hampstead. These providers specialize in helping clients heal from the disturbing event they have witnessed or experienced. If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, give Thriveworks Hampstead a call at (651) 212-2609.

Have I Experienced Trauma? Signs and Symptoms of PTSD

There are a few key symptoms and diagnostic criteria for PTSD. These symptoms and criteria include:

• The individual’s life was threatened or fell victim to serious injury or sexual violence.
• The person experiences symptoms related to the traumatic event, such as recurrent distressing memories or dreams, flashbacks, or intense psychological distress when exposed to triggers.
• The individual goes out of their way to avoid stimuli related to the event, as demonstrated by their effort to avoid disturbing thoughts, feelings, and external reminders.
• They engage in angry outbursts, irritability, recklessness, and other reactive behaviors related to the traumatic event.

These symptoms can prove life-changing. While rates of PTSD are high among veterans, firefighters, and the police force (or those who are more likely to witness traumatic experiences), some of the highest rates are actually among survivors of sexual abuse. And on that note, it’s important to remember that trauma is classified as any event that causes physical or emotional harm, with lasting effects—which means that the same event might be traumatic for one individual and not another.

How Can a Therapist at Thriveworks Hampstead Help?

First and foremost, your Thriveworks Hampstead therapist will work to understand your specific situation: the traumatic event you experienced and the symptoms you are struggling with. Then, they will tailor treatment to best help you. Your therapist will consider what coping strategies will prove most beneficial and prioritize the goals that you wish to accomplish. A few common goals in trauma therapy include:

• Accepting that the traumatic event has happened
• Learning to cope with the harmful symptoms
• Finding and implementing tools that prevent relapse
• Improving everyday living
• Becoming more future-focused

Just as a traumatic experience is unique to each individual, so is trauma therapy. Your Thriveworks Hampstead therapist will customize treatment to best help you and guide you toward a happier, healthier life.

Schedule a Trauma Therapy Appointment at Thriveworks Hampstead

Have you witnessed a traumatic event? If the answer is yes, consider working with a therapist at Thriveworks Hampstead. These experts can help you heal from trauma and manage your symptoms of PTSD. They have the necessary skills, training, and experience to do so. And they are ready to start this journey when you are.

If you’re ready to schedule an appointment, give Thriveworks Hampstead a call at (651) 212-2609. A scheduling specialist will answer your call and get you all set up. You’ll have flexible scheduling options available to you, including evening and weekend sessions. We truly care about your wellbeing, and we want to help you get back to your happy self. Call today to get started.