Do I Need Trauma Therapy?

Trauma occurs when a person experiences a distressing event or series of events in their life that cause an overwhelming emotional response. Traumatic experiences often render a person powerless or leave them with the perception that they are powerless. 

Most of the time, people suffer the effects of a traumatic episode for up to a few weeks before the body naturally starts to feel safe again. But in some cases, and especially when a person does not receive adequate support immediately following the terrifying event, the trauma response gets stuck in the nervous system and can remain in place for many years if unaddressed. PTSD, or post traumatic stress disorder, is characterized by this longevity and recurrence of a person's trauma response. When severe enough, PTSD can significantly impact one’s ability to function in daily life and maintain healthy social connections. 

At a deeper level, serious trauma has the ability to negatively alter our core beliefs - those unconscious assumptions we hold about the world and ourselves by which we interpret and respond to our experiences. A serious traumatic event can disrupt our sense that the world is a basically safe place, that people can generally be trusted, or that oneself is worthy of love and belonging. Trauma does not fade into the past like other experiences, but haunts the present. The chronic re-experiencing of terror or overwhelm forces a trauma victim to become hyper-vigilant even in safe surroundings, and avoidant of any situation that could make them feel vulnerable. 

Though the exact presentation will vary from person to person, below are some common symptoms of PTSD:

Intrusive memories

Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:

• Recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event

• Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks)

• Upsetting dreams or nightmares about the traumatic event

• Severe emotional distress or physical reactions to something that reminds you of the traumatic event

Avoidance

Symptoms of avoidance may include:

• Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event

• Avoiding places, activities or people that remind you of the traumatic event

Negative changes in thinking and mood

Symptoms of negative changes in thinking and mood may include:

• Negative thoughts about yourself, other people, or the world

• Hopelessness about the future

• Memory problems, including not remembering important aspects of the traumatic event

• Difficulty maintaining close relationships

• Feeling detached from family and friends

• Lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

• Feeling emotionally numb

Changes in physical and emotional reactions

Symptoms of changes in physical and emotional reactions (also called arousal symptoms) may include:

• Being easily startled or frightened

• Always being on guard for danger

• Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much or driving too fast

• Trouble sleeping

• Trouble concentrating

• Irritability, angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

• Overwhelming guilt or shame

     (Source: Mayo Clinic)

While these are serious effects, the good news is that trauma is highly treatable. 

If you connect with any of these symptoms and you suspect you might be experiencing the effects of trauma or PTSD, the clinicians at Brooklyn Somatic Therapy are here to help. Our therapists are trauma-informed and can help you move towards healing and release the grip that past trauma has on your daily life. For many, seeking out trauma healing also results in significant personal growth. 

To get started with therapy today, schedule a free consultation. 

To read more about our approach to treating trauma, click here.

In addition to seeing if you identify with any of the symptoms listed above, you can take this PTSD self-screening questionnaire.  

(Source: The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)