Trauma and PTSD
Traumatic events involve a reaction of horror or utter helplessness and are exceptionally stressful because they cause serious injury or involve the threat of physical injury or death.
Sexual abuse, physical assault, a motor vehicle accident, a natural disaster, and military combat are some of the most common traumatic events.
Not surprisingly, most people will require a period of adjustment following a traumatic event. Healthy coping strategies such as talking with friends and family members about the experience, trying to maintain routines, and engaging in rest and relaxation can help with recovery.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one possible outcome following trauma. It involves a combination of reexperiencing symptoms, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal (i.e., being constantly on alert for danger) lasting a month or more.
Trauma may disrupt a person’s beliefs about safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy. Cognitive processing therapy targets the ways in which one’s thoughts were altered by a traumatic event.
By evaluating automatic thoughts, examining the evidence and probability associated with particular assumptions, and challenging distorted beliefs, a person is able to resume normal activities and improve his or her functioning.
Trauma focused therapy addresses the symptoms of PTSD through exposure techniques that target trauma cues involving both memories and real life situations. Individuals are able to emotionally process the event and to experience less reactivity to trauma memories and cues. Ultimately, trauma focused therapy can lead to lowered anxiety and the ability to resume regular activities.
Unfortunately people often live with painful traumatic memories for many years all alone.
Feelings of self-blame, guilt, and shame often prevent people from talking about their traumatic experiences.
Yet unresolved trauma produces significant disruption to nearly every aspect of life.
If you are experiencing trauma-related difficulties, please seek professional help. Treatments are highly effective and can greatly improve your quality of life!
To learn more about treatments for trauma and PTSD, contact Dr. Combs-Lane.
*The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional.*
