Licensed Counselor in
Indiana + Ohio + New York + Connecticut
Trauma & PTSD
“Traumatic events overwhelm the ordinary systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection, and meaning." - Dr. Judith Herman
“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.” - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
What We Normally Think Trauma Is
Combat & Military Experiences
Sexual or Physical Assault
Domestic Violence
Natural Disasters
Homicide
Car Wreck
Human Trafficking
Elder or Child Abuse
Also Trauma
Workplace Harrassment
Bullying
Learning about the death of a loved one
Childhood emotional or physical neglect
When parents weren't emotionally available
Living with a parent who has mental illness
Grief
When everything looks "fine" from the outside, but you experience pain and felt harmed
After enduring overwhelming experiences, our bodies seem to go into permanent alert as if the danger might return any moment. Some people experience PTSD which is your body's NORMAL response to an abnormal or overwhelming event. Do you identify with any of these symptoms?
Re-Experiencing: nightmares, flashbacks, triggers that are intrusive
Avoidance: of places, people, activities, and things that remind you of the event
HypOarousal: emotional numbing, spaced out, detached or estranged from people, amnesia or unreality
HypERvigilance: irritable, angry, anxious, fearful, feeling on edge, easily startled or jumpy, physical symptoms (pounding heart, sweating, dizzy, rapid breathing), difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Negative Changes in Beliefs & Feelings: lack of trust in self, people or the world, poor self-esteem and confidence, hopelessness
What Healing Looks Like In Therapy
Learn about the dynamics of abuse and neglect
Identify red flags
Your symptoms of anxiety, depression, or ptsd are brought within manageable limits & eliminated
You are able to bear the feelings associated with your memories
You have authority over traumatic memories that flash into your mind without control
You can develop your story from start to finish
Learn to implement boundaries
Shed false beliefs about yourself
Important relationships have been (re)established
You will learn to reconnect with yourself and the world again
Create safety & learn to trust yourself