Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment in Daphne, Fairhope, and the Eastern Shore

You have reoccurring nightmares.

Sometimes, you find yourself reliving what happened.

Certain things in everyday life remind you of what happened and it sends you into a panic.

You avoid certain situations you know will bring you back to that 'place.'

This is what living with trauma can look like. Luckily, trauma therapy can help.

What is Trauma?

The American Psychological Association defines it as “an emotional response to a terrible event ..... shock and denial are typical. Symptoms that linger can look different in each of us. Some examples include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, and strained relationships. Other times, symptoms can even be physical like headaches or nausea.” If you would like to learn more about the symptoms of trauma, explore this page from the APA about trauma symptoms and impacts.

Experiencing Trauma as a Community

SAMHSA uses three E’s to view trauma: event, experience, and the effect. SAMHSA also recognizes the community aspect of traumatic events. When communities experience traumatic events, individuals not directly involved may experience trauma. These events include flooding, wildfires, and shootings. To learn more about the intersection of violence and trauma, explore this article from SAMHSA’s website.

Symptoms of Trauma in PTSD

After experiencing a traumatic event, some are diagnosed with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is a condition that makes it difficult for a person to recover after trauma. Oftentimes, that person feels like they are reliving the experience. There are many situations that could cause a person to develop PTSD. Some include:

• Experiencing a traumatic event

• Witnessing a traumatic event

• Something happening to a close friend or family member

• Repeated exposure to traumatic events

After the event, some common trauma symptoms you could experience include:

• Intrusive symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, etc.

• Avoidance behaviors (e.g.: not driving after a car accident)

• An effect on your mood, thoughts, memory, emotions, behaviors, or sleep

Complex PTSD Treatment

Unfortunately, time and exposure can have an impact. If trauma occurs over months or years, there is a chance you could be diagnosed with Complex PTSD.

Complex PTSD can look different in each of us. Frequently, we see the symptoms manifest psychologically. These effects of can include:

• difficulty regulating emotion

• addictions to substances or activities

• chronic pain

• dissociation

• reduced stress tolerance.

I know this all sounds scary. As a trauma therapist, I’ve worked with many people who have experienced something similar to what you’ve experienced. I know trauma therapy is the answer because I’ve seen it work.

Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment Can Help

You’ve experienced something you consider distressing. It feels outside of your ability to tolerate the memories, feelings, or sensations. If so, you may benefit from trauma therapy. Whether it was a series of events or a single event. It can be what did happen and also, what didn’t happen, such as neglect.

Trauma isn’t experienced just as memories; it can be symptoms. Our nervous systems store trauma, and our bodies feel it.

How Trauma Therapy Works

Sometimes in trauma therapy, we refer to either capital “T” traumas or a “t” traumas. Either way, you feel extremely distressed, unable to focus, numb, and in a daze. You find that you have driven home and can’t remember the trip. Or, it could be that you have lost memories of events or times in your life.

One thing is certain: traumatic experiences and stress have an impact. They can contribute to and intensify anxiety and depression.

So, as you can see, there are different definitions and explanations.

What matters is if you feel as if something that happened in the past or is happening now is causing you to be overly stressed or struggling, there is help.

You could find yourself saying, “Oh, that doesn’t bother me anymore. I got over that. Or I don’t think about it anymore. It is in the past.” This is a big component we focus on in trauma therapy.

What We Can Learn in Trauma Therapy

Offer yourself compassion. Understand that your past may be showing up again in a different way or with a different symptom.

You aren’t alone. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Trauma therapy is supported by research. These approaches are gentle and focus on your safety. As a trauma therapist, my goal is for you to gain confidence in your psychological flexibility and hope in the healing process.

Begin Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment in Daphne, AL

Trauma can have lasting impacts that seep into other areas of our lives. Luckily, trauma therapy and PTSD treatment is the answer you’ve been looking for. When you’re ready to begin your journey with trauma therapy, follow these steps:

1. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with me.

2. Get to know me as your new trauma therapist.

3. Allow the magic of trauma therapy with a trauma therapist to change your life for the better.

Other Counseling Services Provided in the Daphne, Fairhope, & Eastern Shore Area

Navigating life’s curve balls is no easy task. Sometimes, we’re thrown into situations we don’t have the tools for. Luckily, I can help. As a skilled therapist, I’m able to provide you with the support you need. I am trained in EMDR therapy and have seen wonderful outcomes for my clients. Additionally, I offer therapy for chronic stress and therapy for anxiety. I also provide Single Session Therapy for those looking to address their specific issue and begin healing faster.