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 the 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 fundamental to healing from trauma.

Trauma Symptoms

According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5

• Avoidance Symptoms

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

• Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

• Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

• Hyperarousal Symptoms

• Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance

• Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm

• Sleep disturbances

• 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

Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are used in treating trauma.

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