Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are fundamental to healing from trauma.
Understanding Trauma: Big "T" and Little "t"
Trauma isn't defined only by catastrophic, single-occurrence events—it is defined by your mind and body's reaction to what happened.
Big "T" Trauma involves acute, sudden events that disrupt your sense of safety in an instant—such as surviving a house fire, experiencing a severe injury, living through a natural disaster, or enduring a violent event.
Little "t" Trauma involves recurring, chronic experiences that gradually erode your emotional foundation—such as growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, enduring ongoing emotional neglect, or navigating long-term instability in early childhood.
Whether your experience stems from a single traumatic event or years of accumulated stress, your pain is valid, and healing is possible.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5.
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.