Most people will experience a trauma event in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, domestic violence, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal assault, family trauma, or a natural disaster.

Many people can recover from this event with the love and support of family and friends and then bounce back with resiliency. Sometimes, however, people experience long-term or repeated traumas during their life. This may be called Complex Trauma and is different from PTSD. The effects of lasting, long-term or repeated traumas 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 are 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.

If you or someone you know feels you have experienced long-term or repeated traumas, please reach out to us. I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.