Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying or difficult event. It is often manifested in flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. To a lesser degree, you may find yourself thinking about a particularly bad experience when you don’t want to. Perhaps a mental image of the scene or your anger may pop up while you are at work. With time the experience usually stops bothering you and you no longer think about it. With PTSD these disturbing and intrusive thoughts persist, sometimes for many years. This is referred to as capital “T” trauma.
Trauma
When people refer to trauma, they often refer to events that involve a reaction of fear, terror, or helplessness such as in PTSD. But events can also be disturbing because of personal significance. Getting a failing grade in school, or constantly being yelled at by a parent can still erode ones belief in themselves. If enough events such as this occur, ones belief system can be greatly impaired. This is referred to as little “t” trauma.
Treatment
In the treatment of trauma, the distinction between capital “T” trauma (PTSD) and little “t” trauma is not significant. The treatment approach is similar. The trauma of the experience gets locked in the body and the nervous system and needs to be reprocessed, released and brought to completion for emotional well being. Through treatments such as EMDR, SensorimotorPsychotherapy and hypnotherapy, it is possible to desensitize and integrate the triggering event so its impact is minimized. By putting to rest these past issues, one can begin to experience freedom from fear and anxiety, safety in relationships, and an increased sense of emotional well-being. Life can be enjoyed.
To learn more about signs, symptoms, and treatment of trauma and PTSD, go to the Mayo Clinic website.
In the process of therapy, I discovered events that happened long ago that were plaguing me, robbing me of peace and contentment in my life. With very little time, and a combination of traditional and alternative therapies, we got to the root of these memories and experiences…I have so much confidence in Kevin as a therapist. I would recommend him to anyone struggling with trauma, big or small. He is a life saver and he knows how to heal!
Depression and Bipolar
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and a sense of feeling worthless, hopeless, and helpless. In the words of Elizabeth Wurtzel “A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious… it’s impossible to see the end.”
Anxiety
In simple terms, anxiety is a tendency to lean into the future. It is categorized by worry and/or fear. It robs us of the experience of enjoying the present. Although some may have a more anxious constitution, anxiety often has its roots in the past. It makes sense.
Negative Self Worth
We see ourselves based on our interpretation of past experiences. When one is plagued by negative self beliefs, evidence contradicting these beliefs does not register. One may be cognitively aware of what is true, but on an emotional level the negative belief overpowers.
Why Wait?
If you are tired of being stuck, or if the approach you are trying is not helping…
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