Trauma is a distressing event in which a person feels severely threatened emotionally, psychologically, or physically. Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, such as 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. However, what may be traumatic for one person may barely affect another. In a general sense though, trauma results when you experience excessive stress that overwhelms your emotional or physical ability to cope.
Many people recover from trauma with time and through the support of family and friends. Unfortunately for others, the effects of trauma are lasting, causing a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed. Much of how someone reacts is directly related to his or her history, coping skills, and emotional stability at the time.
Have you witnessed or experienced a trauma that is causing you to feel angry, depressed or anxious? Have you turned to unhealthy behaviors in order to escape the thoughts or memories of the trauma? People who have experienced trauma often turn to poor coping skills as a way to ignore the painful feelings.
Have these traumatic experiences caused you distress? If you’re suffering from some or any of the symptoms listed below, it may be time to seek help.
Whether the events occurred in childhood, three years ago, or last week, the impact of these troubling situations is not something one is taught how to resolve. Often, the thought of going through the events again and seemingly reliving the tragedy may appear more than one can bear. When you work with Counselor Jennifer who has been professionally trained in the resolution for trauma and PTSD in children and adolescents (death of a loved one, abuse, car accident, sex abuse, physical abuse), she understands this apprehension and is committed to working through these issues at whatever pace is comfortable and safe for you. Oftentimes, the support, guidance, and assistance of mental health professionals are fundamental to healing from trauma.
As a counselor who specializes in trauma, Jennifer focuses on resolution of the originating feelings and emotions that require coping skills. If individuals have a lack of safety or security as a result of an event that left them exposed, vulnerable, or violated, trauma counseling begins by establishing a sense of safety for the individual. As therapy progresses, you will learn to identify triggers and will practice healthy coping skills.
Wherever you go for help, the program or treatment should include the following:
If you or a loved one is suffering from trauma, Counselor Jennifer can help you resolve the pain so you can start living your life again. Call for a consultation at (716) 432-3656