What is Trauma?

You may be familiar with the term, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which refers to an anxiety disorder that occurs after you’ve been exposed to a life-threatening event. Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance, hypervigilance, intense stress, tension, and anxiety, 

Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) occurs when you’ve been exposed to multiple or ongoing traumas, stressors, or disturbing experiences. Because these symptoms are more subtle, they often go unnoticed or are misunderstood by the person experiencing them. 

Examples of Complex Trauma Symptoms

4 Tips to Help You Manage Trauma Symptoms

• Ground yourself to the present moment. List five things you can see, feel, and hear, in your surroundings.
• Practice self-compassion and self-care. Identify what you need in the moment to feel safe and relaxed. Perhaps it’s taking a walk, talking to a friend, hugging a pet, or journaling.
• Take deep breaths. Inhale for a count of 5, hold the breath for a count of 5, and then exhale for a count of 5. Repeat.
• Ask for help! Most importantly remember you don’t have to struggle alone. Reach out to a trusted family member or friend for emotional support. Seek therapy for help to better understand and treat symptoms.

Get Started with a Trauma Therapist

I provide therapy for individuals who have experienced psychological, physical, or emotional trauma. If you are struggling with any of the above, therapy can help you:

-Understand your emotions and feel less reactive

-Feel less overwhelmed

-Experience healthier relationships

-Feel less anxious and depressed

-Heal from past trauma or upsetting experiences

Contact me to get started with Trauma Therapy!