Trauma

Trauma can occur due to any frightening or stressful incident that poses a threat to your safety and leaves you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or scared. According to Barbara E. Doak, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who offers online therapy services to clients in Ashford, Hartford, Manchester, and the rest of Connecticut, trauma therapy focuses on managing and treating emotional responses to traumatic events. Trauma therapy is specifically created to help clients process experiences while confronting fears, developing valuable coping skills in recovery, and creating opportunities to live a meaningful life.
 

Defining Trauma

Trauma encompasses psychological, emotional, and, at times, physical responses to deeply or incredibly distressing and difficult events. Instances that have the potential to lead to trauma include -

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• A natural disaster.
• The ravages of war or violence.
• An unforeseen loss of a loved one.
• Chronic neglect.
• A critical accident that causes a catastrophe.
• Bullying.
   

Symptoms of Trauma

Untreated trauma can have lasting effects – occurring or reoccurring for months or even years after the traumatic event. Shock and denial tend to be the most common reactions after witnessing something terrifying.

Some of the other ways trauma may manifest in your life -

• Anxiety/irritability.
• Rage.
• Nausea.
• Flashbacks.
• Mood swings.
• Heart palpitations.
• Fear/Shame/Guilt.
• Headaches.
• Insomnia/nightmares
• Hopelessness/despondency.
• Concentration difficulties.
• Muscle tension/aches.
   

The Benefits Offered by Trauma Therapy

There are several types of trauma and psychotherapy possibilities available to help treat trauma, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (a.k.a. EMDR) - an effective recovery option for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions.

Trauma therapy’s objectives are a) to assist individuals in processing and healing from difficult and traumatic experiences and b) to empower them to regain control over their lives and improve existing coping skills. Examples of these goals include -

• A reduction in avoidance behaviors.
• The building of trust by providing validation.
• Challenging belief systems that no longer serve you.

Different therapies have unique methods and approaches, but the best option will depend on the client’s needs and circumstances.
 

Want to learn more about Available Mental Health or Trauma Therapy Programs?

After the traumatic accident or incident, acute pain and related symptoms may subside; however, long-term effects like PTSD could linger and impact one’s daily routine and quality of life. If you struggle to manage or would like help in managing trauma symptoms, trauma therapy may be an effective solution.

For more information, contact Barbara E. Doak, LCSW, a Co-Occurring Disorder Professional Diplomat – certified by the Connecticut Certification Board at 860-942-6316 or online.