Trauma can result from any frightful or stressful event that poses a threat to your safety, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or scared. According to the professionals at Providence South Clinical Associates, who offer in-person services to clients in Waxhaw, Charlotte, and Weddington, North Carolina, and to the whole state online, trauma therapy focuses on the management of emotional responses to life’s traumatic events.
This specialized therapy is designed to help those who have experienced trauma to process their emotions while developing valuable coping skills, confronting fears, and creating opportunities for a meaningful life.
Defining Trauma
Trauma involves psychological, emotional, and sometimes physical reactions to deeply distressing and challenging moments in life. Traumatic events include -
- Physical/sexual abuse.
- A natural disaster.
- War.
- Loss of a loved one.
- Chronic neglect.
- Violence.
- A catastrophe.
- Bullying.
- Illnesses and medical emergencies.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a related mental health condition that's triggered by a frightening incident — either personally living through an experience of trauma or simply witnessing a traumatic event.
Trauma Symptoms
Untreated trauma can have lasting effects – reoccurring for months or even years after the traumatic incident. The most typical reactions when experiencing something terrifying are shock and denial.
Some of the other ways trauma may manifest in your life -
- Anxiety/irritability.
- Rage.
- Heart palpitations.
- Fear/Shame/Guilt.
- Nausea.
- Flashbacks.
- Mood swings.
- Insomnia/nightmares
- Hopelessness/despondency.
- Headaches.
- Concentration difficulties.
- Muscle tension/aches.
Trauma Therapy Benefits
Several types of trauma and psychotherapy possibilities are available to help treat trauma, including Somatic Experiencing Therapy. This kind of therapy helps the body escape from its fight, flight, or freeze response when the stimulus that prompted that response is no longer present.
The objectives of therapy include:
- A reduction of avoidance behaviors.
- Building a willingness to trust through validation.
- Being honest while challenging belief systems that do not serve you positively.
Different therapies offer unique approaches. The most suitable will depend on the client’s needs and specific circumstances.
Want to learn more about In-Person or Online Trauma Therapy Programs?
After a traumatic event, related pain and associated symptoms may begin to decrease. However, lingering or ongoing impacts (i.e., PTSD) could remain and influence your ability to complete daily tasks. If you are struggling to manage trauma symptoms, trauma therapy may offer a solution.
For more information, contact a staff associate of Providence South Clinical Associates by email or online. We provide in-person and online mental health therapy and integrative medical care out of our Waxhaw, NC, location for children, adolescents, adults, and families.