What really is trauma? The short answer: anything that has had a psychological impact on someone in a negative way. For example, someone who was the victim of bullying, witnessed a horrific event, survived a natural disaster, was physically assaulted, was mentally or emotionally abused, or neglected. There are so many different traumatic events that could affect someone’s life. For those who have gone through something horrible, overcoming their trauma can be just as hard as experiencing the trauma firsthand.
Give yourself time to heal from a challenge you’ve been dealt. Letting go of hurt doesn’t happen overnight. It happens in slow, small steps forward. Plus a few steps backward at times. Be gentle and patient with yourself. –Karen Salmansohn
Victims of trauma often struggle with many different areas of their lives because of what they have experienced. Fortunately, help is readily available. Licensed trauma therapists are experts in helping their clients learn how to process their feelings, manage how they let it affect their lives, and learn how to move on to live a happier and fuller life. At Thriveworks Washington, DC in Georgetown, we offer trauma therapy to help guide you through these challenges. It is possible to recover and feel normal again after a traumatic event. Let us help you get there. Call us today at (202) 221-8410 to get started.
What Is PTSD? Do I Have it?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a combination of reactions that can occur after someone has been through a traumatic event. Someone who has PTSD can be affected by it daily or only when certain stressors trigger it. Someone who is diagnosed with PTSD shows symptoms for at least an entire month following the traumatic event they went through. However, some people do not experience symptoms until months, even years later. Some symptoms that characterize PTSD include:
- Flashbacks to the distressing experience
- Unwanted thoughts or memories of the event
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Lack of interest in day to day activities
- Emotional distress from triggers that remind someone of their trauma
- Detachment from friends, family, and everyday tasks
- Self-destructive behavior
- Lack of happiness or fulfillment
- Depression
- Feelings of guilt or anger about what happened
If you are having any of these symptoms or feel like you are being affected negatively by something that caused you pain and suffering in the past, reach out to Thriveworks Washington, DC Counseling in Georgetown. We understand how vulnerable you feel right now and how badly you want to take your life back. Our licensed psychologists want to help you process your trauma and help you heal so you can start thriving again.
How Can Trauma and PTSD Therapy Help?
Trauma therapy and PTSD therapy aim to help people work through the psychological trauma they have experienced. The licensed therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Washington, DC can help you manage your symptoms, confront your triggers, and overcome your past experiences so you can move forward with your life. There are many different types and approaches to trauma therapy. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Your counselor can help you manage your symptoms and feelings by changing the way you think and act. For example, you might be asked to confront your traumatic memories in detail so your counselor can help you cope with the distress and actively change your responses to it.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a method that involves you following your therapist’s finger by moving your eyes side-to-side while recalling the traumatic experience. This movement can help you overcome your symptoms.
- Medication: In some instances, medication might benefit someone suffering from PTSD. However, your psychologist will work with you and guide you through your options based on your medical history and diagnosis. Ask your provider about any questions you have prior to starting a new medication.
Through the help of a trauma therapist or PTSD therapist, you can overcome so many thoughts and emotions that have been holding you back since your distressing experience. Some goals for therapy include:
Processing and accepting trauma, getting back to “normal,” feeling happiness and joy again, learning new coping mechanisms, and improve overall daily functioning
Do you feel like you need help overcoming your racing thoughts and feelings after something negative that has happened to you? Do you feel like you might have PTSD but aren’t sure? Discuss with your therapist your goals and concerns. We want to help you get back to a better state of being.
Schedule a Session with a Trauma Therapist at Thriveworks Washington, DC in Georgetown
Here at Thriveworks, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide our clients with the help they have been looking for and deserve when they need it. Because we are client-focused, we will do whatever we can to help you achieve your goals and heal. Call (202) 221-8410 to be connected with one of our scheduling specialists who can set you up with one of our caring providers. We almost always have next-day appointments.
Stop letting your past haunt you. Start living the life you want. We can’t wait to help you.
