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 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 is essential to healing from trauma.

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What are trauma symptoms?

According to the DSM-5, there are four types of trauma symptoms: 

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1) Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event

• Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

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2) Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

 

3) Hyperarousal Symptoms

• Anger, irritability and hypervigilance

• Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm

• Sleep disturbances

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4) 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

 

What helps heal trauma? 

Research evidence indicates psychotherapy is the most effective form of treatment for trauma. At Cadence Psychology Studio, we use a tri-phasic model of trauma treatment, which includes Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization, Phase 2: Trauma Processing, and Phase 3: Integration. It is important to know that details of past trauma will not be addressed until a safe therapeutic relationship is established and skills for regulating emotions are developed and strengthened. Eye Movement, Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR) is often used to treat trauma as it is an effective and evidence-based therapy for trauma recovery. Please click the button below for more information on EMDR. If you, or someone you know, experience symptoms that match the trauma symptoms listed above, we are confident we can help and invite you to contact the office today to see whether therapy is right for you.