Most people will experience trauma at some point in their lives whether it’s a car accident, abuse, neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to war, or natural disaster. It is important to note that traumas do not only happen in dramatic settings. Traumas can also be experienced while standing up in front of your 4th grade class who snicker because of your glasses.  Many of us have been exposed to, or experienced, some form of trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People can recover from trauma over time, with love and support of family and friends. Yet, others may struggle with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress even after the event has long passed.

If you are experiencing traumatic distress, the support and guidance of a therapist can be fundamental for healing.

Some signs that you are having a difficult time with trauma are:

• Avoidance: Avoiding locations, sights, situations, and sounds that remind you of the event. Often accompanied by anxiety, depression, numbness or guilt.
• Re-experiencing trauma: Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks.
• Hyperarousal: Anger, irritability, aggressive, reckless behavior–including self-harm, hypervigilance and sleep disturbance.
• Negative Mood: Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
• Cognitive Difficulties: Difficulty remembering traumatic event details.
• Behavioral Changes: Change in habits or behavior since the trauma.

Research shows EMDR, cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic and group psychotherapy are among the effective forms treatment for trauma. There’s hope you can remedy your suffering.

If you or someone you know has many of these trauma symptoms, I invite you to contact me today and get relief and help EMDR and CBT.