Counselling for Trauma
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, Intimate Partner Violence, childhood abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.
Recovering from trauma can take time. Left unattended, a person suffering from the affects of trauma may live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist are fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the
DSM-5.
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behaviour
- Self-harming behaviours
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behaviour since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Narrative Therapy are very effective in treating trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.