Our therapists offer trauma therapy in Worcester, MA

When Shelly was in college, she was in a really bad car accident. She was hit when driving home after the holidays and ended up going to the hospital for multiple injuries. After countless physical therapy sessions and hospital visits, Shelly was able to almost fully recover from the accident. However, she experiences a change in breathing patterns and heavy chest when she has to drive on the interstate even to this day. It prohibits her from traveling long distances and she feels stuck. Although she has psychically recovered, she is starting to realize that she may need help recovering mentally.

There is no timestamp on trauma. There isn’t a formula that you can insert yourself into to get from horror to healed. Be patient. Take up space. Let your journey be the balm. –Dawn Serra

Are you a victim of emotional or mental abuse? Are you a military veteran? Are you a survivor of domestic abuse? Whether you had an experience like Shelly or you experienced another mentally taxing event, trauma can have negative effects on your life. Maybe you feel angry, or anxious, or depressed. Whatever it may be, your feelings are valid. That doesn’t mean you have to live like that forever, though. Thriveworks Counseling in Worcester offers trauma therapy to those who have experienced horrible events and need to work towards a healthier state of being. Call our office at (508) 409-6134 to get started.

What Is Trauma? How Can It Affect Me?

There are many types of trauma and the level of how badly we are affected by it depends on each unique situation. No matter what caused you the trauma you face in life, it is always devastating and merely impossible to overcome on your own. Trauma results from a psychically or emotionally harmful event that has lasting effects on your psychical, emotional, or social wellbeing. Different types of trauma could include:

1. Sexual abuse or assault
2. Emotional abuse
3. Domestic violence
4. Medical injury, illness, or procedures
5. Natural disasters
6. Neglect or deprivation
7. Abandonment
8. Victim of crime
9. Accidents
10. Loss

The symptoms of trauma depend on the type of experience you had and if it forms into PTSD or not. Generally, our brains are very susceptible to damage caused by trauma. In order to overcome trauma and move on, we first have to come to terms with the pain we are feeling and learn how to adapt. It’s frustrating to be in a constant battle with your brain, wanting to move on but not being able to. With the professional help of a trained trauma therapist, you can take back control of your life.

Some symptoms you may experience from trauma or the development of PTSD may include:

• Flashbacks
• Painful dreams
• Emotional numbness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Persistent fear, anger, guilt, or shame
• Difficulty finding pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
• Difficulty trusting others, even close family members and friends
• Difficulty feeling positive emotions
• Continuously feeling sick to your stomach
• Depression
• Anxiety

Even if you don’t resonate with all of these feelings, or if your feelings are different than the ones listed, recovering from trauma is difficult and painful. Luckily, the counselors at Thriveworks in Worcester understand how you are feeling and want to help you work through your trauma.

How Can Trauma Therapy Help?

Once you decide to take the next step and get the assistance of a psychologist, you can start to learn ways to cope with your feelings and move forward. During your beginning sessions with a trauma therapist, an assessment will be taken to accurately determine the concern at hand and what steps need to be taken. A unique plan of action will be created specifically for you that is centered around your challenges and goals. Our counselors have the techniques and tools needed to stimulate growth and healing. Here at Thriveworks, we might use:

• Effective coping skills when symptoms do occur (relaxation and anger-management techniques)
• Identify and address any guilt you might be feeling. You are not responsible for your trauma
• Education on the symptoms of trauma so you can better understand when you are having a flare-up of emotion
• Guidance on how to manage sleep, exercise, and diet
• Walk through any lingering anxiety and fear

Coping with trauma isn’t a straight shot. It takes a lot of patience, work, and trust with your therapist. You are proving your strength by getting the help you not only need, but deserve.

Start Your Road to Recovery: Schedule an Appointment with a Trauma Therapist at Thriveworks in Worcester, MA

We will work with you to overcome your fear, anxiety, and lack of trust while also giving you the skills to tackle any emotions you have in the future. When you are ready to take a step in the right direction, we will be here with open arms to help.

Call us today to schedule an appointment at (508) 409-6134. We offer appointments in less than 72 hours, often the very next day after your initial call. We want to give you the care and attention you need as soon as possible. In addition, online counseling services are available if you’d prefer to meet with a therapist remotely.

Don’t let the trauma you’ve experienced in life to control how you live any longer. We look forward to helping you thrive.