Charlotte Therapy for Trauma
Finding a Therapist for Trauma in Charlotte
Jon’s Trauma Story
Having been diagnosed with PTSD, I know that there is not one aspect of my life that has gone untouched by this mental illness. My PTSD was triggered by a severe trauma in my life - a severe heart attack that almost killed me. For months after the attack, I couldn’t sleep, re-living the day of the heart attack every time I closed my eyes. I suffered terrible flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks. I became unable to leave my house, which led to the loss of income. Fear, depression and anxiety became my new way of life. I lost all ability to focus or even complete simple tasks. I turned to therapy and was diagnosed with PTSD. It was a huge relief when I discovered my condition was real and treatable. I began to feel safe and comfortable for the first time in many months. Undergoing therapy marked the turning point in my recovery. I was able to leave the house and pursue my career in telecommunications. I’m no longer at the mercy of my disorder thanks to my therapist. I would not be here today had I not had the proper diagnosis and treatment. One thing is certain. Talking to a professional and not going it alone saved my life. It’s never too late to seek help.
Identifying Trauma
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event, like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.” A person, however, may experience trauma as a response to any event they find physically or emotionally threatening or harmful.
A traumatized person can experience a wide range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. The person may feel helpless, overwhelmed, and shocked. They may have difficulty processing their experience. Trauma can cause physical symptoms.
Trauma can have long-term effects. If symptoms persist and do not increase in severity, indications that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will be evident.
Types of Trauma include the following:
Acute Trauma: occurs as the result of a single stressful or dangerous event.
Chronic Trauma: occurs from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. Child abuse, bullying and domestic violence are some examples.
Complex Trauma: occurs from exposure to multiple traumatic events.
Vicarious Trauma (or Secondary Trauma): occurs when a person develops trauma symptoms from close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event.
Emotional responses to trauma include denial, anger, fear, shame, sadness, guilt, confusion, hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. A person may experience emotional outburst, difficulty coping with how they feel, and withdrawal from others. Flashbacks and nightmares, where a person relives the traumatic event, are very common.
Physical responses to trauma include fatigue, headaches, sweating, digestive symptoms, racing heart, and feeling jumpy. Experiencing hyper-arousal, the feeling of being in a constant of alertness, is also common, and will affect sleep patterns.
Both emotional and physical responses to trauma can lead to other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Examples of Traumatic Experiences
- Physical, psychological, or sexual abuse
- Harassment
- Bullying
- Loss of a loved one
- Sexual assault
- Acts of terrorism
- War
- Natural disasters
Traumatic events can be isolated or repeated events. A person can also experience trauma by witnessing something traumatic happening to another person.
Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD develops when the symptoms of a trauma persist or get worse over time after the stressful event. Symptoms include severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and a persistent memory of the event.
PTSD can last for years. But treatment can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Risk factors for developing PTSD include previous trauma, physical pain or injury, experiencing other stressors at the same time (i.e. financial instability), having little to no support after the traumatic event, and having previous bouts of depression and anxiety.
Trauma Therapy at Bareiter Counseling Center in Charlotte
Several treatments are available that can help people who are experiencing trauma. Therapy is the first-line treatment for trauma. People who are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of trauma should seek help from a mental health professional, especially if the trauma symptoms are interfering with the functions of their daily life.
Most people will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives. Most will recover within a short period of time, on their own terms. However, a minority will experience more long-term effects, such as PTSD. Therapy can help those people with persistent feelings of trauma to manage these feelings and improve their quality of life.
Should I Seek Out Therapy?
Do you have disturbing memories or images stuck in your mind? Are you having frightening dreams or nightmares about an event in your life? Are you having trouble functioning at home or work? Are you unable to form close, satisfying relationships? Are you suffering from severe fear, anxiety or depression? If your answer to any of those questions is yes, then trauma counseling can help you get control of your life, find some healing, and guide you through past events to help you overcome them. If you are in the Charlotte area and have experienced trauma, the therapists at Bareiter Counseling Center can help. Contact them today to schedule a consultation.
What Are Some Of The Issues That Trauma Therapy Addresses?
Trauma has a powerful capacity to shape a person’s physical and emotional well-being. Trauma can profoundly alter a person’s life course and diminish innate resilience. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has consistently been found to be the most effective treatment in treating trauma and PTSD. Through CBT, the therapist will address the patient’s symptoms, identifying and improving negative thinking and self-destructive patterns, help the patient understand how to let go and move forward, challenge fears with mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and set healthy boundaries.
Take the first step in achieving a happier, healthier life through trauma counseling. Schedule a consultation today with the leading Charlotte trauma therapists at the Bareiter Counseling Center.