A traumatic event is one that causes an individual significant distress. Victims of trauma often go on to develop harmful physical, mental, and emotional symptoms, from difficulty sleeping and concentrating to social isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Many different events can be considered traumatic, including physical abuse as well as mental or emotional abuse, natural disasters, and the death of a loved one. The one thing that these events have in common is that they have a lasting impact on the individual.
“If someone has hurt you, take some time to try to understand them—their childhood, their traumas, their mood. Don’t do this to simply find excuses for them. Do it to help you heal—to de-personalize the pain. When you seek compassion for the, you wind up having more compassion for yourself too.” –Karen Salmansohn
Victims of trauma can struggle to return to life as they know it. Fortunately, they can find the help that they need in trauma therapy at Thriveworks McLean. We have trauma therapists who specialize in helping people just like you to heal from the traumatic events in their life. These experts can walk you through your trauma, help you to improve symptoms of PTSD, and feel happy and excited about life again. The trauma therapists and psychologists at Thriveworks McLean will use their many skills, tools, and years of experience to provide you with the help and support you need. Give us a call at (571) 589-4042 when you are ready to schedule a trauma therapy appointment. We’re happy to get started when you are.
What Does Trauma Therapy Look like? Can It Help Me?
People who have experienced trauma can develop insomnia, terrifying flashbacks, loneliness, and plenty of other unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms, and the traumatic experience itself, can make one feel completely hopeless and uninterested in their life. The good news is that therapy has proven to help victims of trauma and those with PTSD. Here are a few main goals in trauma and PTSD therapy:
- Improve and manage symptoms
- Learn new coping skills
- Feel excited about the future again
Treatment for trauma and PTSD is rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. This approach to therapy helps the individual to change harmful thought patterns. Additionally, it provides a safe space for the trauma victim to talk openly about their experience and in turn process all of their emotions. Here’s a look at a few different therapeutic techniques that could help you post-trauma:
- Prolonged exposure: If you’ve been actively avoiding the things that remind you of your trauma, prolonged exposure will help you to come face to face with them. Your therapist will first teach you breathing techniques that help with anxiety. Then, they’ll walk with you through the things you’ve been avoiding.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: In EMDR, instead of talking about your traumatic experience, you recall your trauma in your mind while focusing on something they’re doing: flashing a light or playing a sound. The goal is for you to think about something positive when you are reminded of the traumatic experience.
Your Thriveworks McLean trauma therapist will first get to know you and then determine which approach to treatment might work best. If you think that you could benefit from working with one of our trauma therapists, reach out to schedule your appointment.
Schedule Trauma or PTSD Therapy at Thriveworks McLean
Trauma, be it an experience with physical or emotional abuse, bullying, military combat, a natural disaster, or something else entirely, is extremely difficult to deal with. It changes the course of our life as we try to manage its effects: nightmares, flashbacks, low self-esteem. Fortunately, nobody has to go through this alone. If you have experienced a traumatic event, reach out to Thriveworks McLean to meet with a trauma therapist.
Our trauma therapists and psychologists have the skills, the tools, and the experience to help you continue on with your life post-trauma. They can help you process the event, manage your symptoms, and feel excited about life again! If you are ready to schedule your appointment, give Thriveworks McLean a call at (571) 589-4042. Our trauma therapists are here to help you heal.
