Trauma | PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event or multiple events — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.
Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within three months of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships.
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event
Avoidance symptoms may include:
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
Negative feelings about yourself or other people
Inability to experience positive emotions
Feeling emotionally numb
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Hopelessness about the future
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Symptoms of changes in emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
Always being on guard for danger
Overwhelming guilt or shame
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Being easily startled or frightened
If you are suffering from the effects of trauma or PTSD know that you are not alone. I am here to work collaboratively with you to assist you in finding your equilibrium again. I have spent the past six years working with families and individuals facing the effects of trauma and I am able to provide a safe setting for individuals and families to begin the healing process. I have had extensive training, education and first hand experience addressing trauma and PTSD. I will meet you where you are and we will work together to make your daily life more manageable and enjoyable by addressing problematic coping skills, self-sabotaging behaviors and traumatic experiences.
SECONDARY & VICARIOUS TRAUMA
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event or multiple events — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while, but they don't have PTSD — with time and good self-care, they usually get better. But if the symptoms get worse or last for months or even years and interfere with your functioning, you may have PTSD.
Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four types: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, or changes in emotional reactions.Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within three months of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the event. These symptoms cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships.
Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event
Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)
Upsetting dreams about the traumatic event
Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the event
Avoidance symptoms may include:
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event
Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:
Negative feelings about yourself or other people
Inability to experience positive emotions
Feeling emotionally numb
Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Hopelessness about the future
Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event
Difficulty maintaining close relationships
Symptoms of changes in emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:
Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior
Always being on guard for danger
Overwhelming guilt or shame
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Being easily startled or frightened
If you are suffering from the effects of trauma or PTSD know that you are not alone. I am here to work collaboratively with you to assist you in finding your equilibrium again. I have spent the past six years working with families and individuals facing the effects of trauma and I am able to provide a safe setting for individuals and families to begin the healing process. I have had extensive training, education and first hand experience addressing trauma and PTSD. I will meet you where you are and we will work together to make your daily life more manageable and enjoyable by addressing problematic coping skills, self-sabotaging behaviors and traumatic experiences.
SECONDARY & VICARIOUS TRAUMA
Since 2010 I have worked closely with those in the helping profession and have seen the challenges faced by helpers suffering from secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, burnout and vicarious trauma. Helpers continue to do their work because of their innate desire to want to help, but who is there to help them? Helpers want to offer support, compassion and care but who cares for them?
Remember, these vulnerabilities make you human, not weak. Let me assist you so that you can be the best version of you, the best helper that you can be.
If you are someone in the helping field who may be facing some of the challenges listed above, please call me today for a free 30 minute phone consultation to see if we might be a good fit for the therapeutic process.
Remember, these vulnerabilities make you human, not weak. Let me assist you so that you can be the best version of you, the best helper that you can be.
If you are someone in the helping field who may be facing some of the challenges listed above, please call me today for a free 30 minute phone consultation to see if we might be a good fit for the therapeutic process.