Trauma
Battling the effects of trauma can be a struggle, but we are here to help you move forward.
Trauma is an event or experience which results in psychological distress, yet it can be interpreted differently from person to person.
Trauma can affect people in different ways, no matter the size of their plight. Whether it be a major natural disaster or getting divorced, some may find these experiences equally as traumatizing. If you're struggling with emotional and physical pain due to traumatic incidents that have impacted how you view yourself and the life around you, trauma therapy can help relieve your anguish. At Integrative Mind, our mission is to provide you with counseling and therapy services that will empower you to process your previous traumas. We strive to ensure that whatever obstacles have crossed your path can be fully integrated into your life story without hindering future healing opportunities. Located in New York, we want all of our patients to find a healthier journey forward through their experiences by utilizing the insight gained from these sessions.
Symptoms of Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Traumatic events can have both an immediate and gradual influence, causing mental, physical, and emotional damage. Although the effects of your trauma may reduce over time or even dissipate entirely, it could also leave behind a lasting impact on your psychological well-being. Trauma can take a deep psychological toll on an individual, often leading to conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, depression or even eating disorders. It's essential to recognize that the aftermath of a traumatic experience may have far-reaching repercussions when it comes to mental health.
Some symptom examples may include:
Reckless or self-destructive behavior
Hypervigilance
Exaggerated startle response
Problems with concentration
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Intrusive Memories/Flashbacks
Nightmares/Dreams
Dissociation
Memory loss concerning the pivotal moments of a traumatic experience
Magnification of pessimistic beliefs or expectations of themselves, others, or the world around them.
Avoidance
Inability to experience positive emotions.
Irritable or aggressive behavior
A pervasive and warped attribution of responsibility for the trauma, either to oneself or someone else, regarding its origin or consequences.
Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others
Remember that anyone can experience trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at any time. It's useful to keep in mind that traumatic events elicit different responses, even amongst those who share the same experiences. You may go through the same situation as another person, but they could have a totally distinct reaction than you do.
Forms of Trauma
Vicarious Trauma
Although some may not have encountered trauma directly, many can still be adversely influenced by it - a phenomenon known as "vicarious trauma." Regardless of whether you've been close to someone struggling with pain or work in an occupation that is usually exposed to traumatic events (such as counselors, emergency response personnel, and physicians), your life could still bear the consequences.
It is indispensable to understand that all types of trauma, whether "T" and "t," or vicarious traumas, are authentic and can cause identical levels of PTSD/C-PTSD symptoms. Thus, every form should be respected with an equal degree of esteem.
“T” Traumas
Traumatic incidents, such as sexual assault, physical abuse, and life-threatening occurrences can leave lasting psychological effects. Furthermore, these traumas may include both threats of harm to oneself or others in addition to being a witness to them.
“t” Traumas
Trauma, as it can be both emotionally and physically draining, may have long-term repercussions on an individual's emotional well-being, physical health, and mental state. Therefore, when addressing trauma situations it is essential to focus not just on the event itself but rather on its effect on each person involved. For instance, if you felt distressed because family members disregarded your feelings – this could be categorized as a 't' trauma.
Treatment for Trauma
At Integrative Mind, it is our mission to aid you on your journey of healing and self-growth. We want to help create a supportive environment in which you can make progress toward addressing traumatic experiences and building resilience for the challenges ahead. Our services are designed to provide trust in yourself so that positive actionable steps toward recovery can be taken with confidence. Most importantly, we strive to empower individuals so they have the strength and courage needed to lead meaningful lives filled with love!
