Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a betrayal by a partner, a car accident, abuse or neglect in childhood, the sudden death or loss of a loved one, a violent criminal act, sexual abuse, or exposure to a life-threatening event.

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.

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.

Jennifer is training in EMDR and utilizes this powerful method to help both individuals and couples heal the damage that trauma has created. For more information on EMDR, feel free to contact us or click on this link.

Understanding EMDR

If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.