Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a traumatic event and may include a variety of symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, changes in mood and thinking, anxiety, and avoidance.  Individuals may suffer from PTSD due to a singular event, while others may develop PTSD from multiple cumulative incidents.  When trauma is cumulative, the individual may not be aware that their symptoms are resulting from PTSD.

 

People who suffer from PTSD will often describe feeling "triggered."  Feeling triggered refers to the emotional reaction to a disturbing subject (such as violence in the news or tragedy).  However, there is a difference between being triggered and feeling uncomfortable.  For someone with a trauma history, being exposed to anything that reminds them of a traumatic experience (a trigger) can feel like they're experiencing the trauma repeatedly. 

 

Symptoms of PTSD:

• Re-experiencing trauma when remembering flashbacks and events when you don't want to

• Anxiety, fear, and worry

• Anger and irritability

• Avoidance of people, places, and situations related to the trauma

• Concentration problems

• Depression

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep or have nightmares

• Easily startled or jumpiness

• Feeling emotionally disconnected from other people

• Feeling "spacey" or unreal (dissociation) when triggered

• Guilt or shame, self-blame, and low self-esteem 

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Common Causes of PTSD:

• Childhood abuse (physical, sexual, and/or emotional)

• Childbirth experiences, such as losing a baby, a painful C-section, or near-death experiences

• Combat

• Domestic abuse or intimate partner violence (IPV)

• Ethnic cleansing and torture

• Incarceration

• Life threatening medical conditions

• Natural disasters

• Physical or sexual assault

• Being held up or robbed

• Racial discrimination and harassment

• Serious accidents

• Working as a first responder or in law enforcement

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Are you tired of suffering and ready to transform your trauma? 

Imagine feeling safe again in your body and around your loved ones...

Here is what you can expect to change if you are motivated and choose to work with our trained psychologists:

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• Deconstruct common thought traps.  You will learn how to deconstruct thought traps that inhibit your progress. 

 

• Reduce anxiety when feeling overwhelmed.  Imagine being able to control your racing thoughts and feel more empowered.  You will learn how to calm your mind for improved concentration and a better night’s sleep! 

 

• Discover how to overcome your trauma triggers.  You can restore your resilience and live a balanced life.

 

Schedule your initial consultation with our online booking calendar to get started!