Nearly all of us will experience trauma in our 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.

Sometimes we grew up in an environment that was at some level traumatic, and we just didn’t realize it at the time.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family, friends, and perhaps faith, and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover 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

There are four main symptoms of unresolved trauma.

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

Skillful therapy can be remarkably effective in bringing lasting healing for traumatic events. It is not easy, but it can bring freedom from fear, guilt, and shame in powerful ways.

If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, we are confident that we can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.