T is for Trauma, H is for Healing

My therapy practice specializes in seeing clients who have experienced trauma. This could be a one time event, a series of events, or a repeated enduring time that was disturbing, destructive, or threatening. Examples of these types of events may be:

+ Experience of Natural Disaster

+ Sexual Abuse or Rape

+ Domestic Violence

+ Illness or Injury

+ Witnessing the death of a loved one or friend

All people respond to trauma differently. Many people who have suffered trauma may have feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt, shame, anger, and grief. Sometimes the trauma can lead to long term issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug use, depression, or anxiety. An individual might become numb to the trauma, or even deny that it occurred. Conversely, they might become very emotionally reactive to triggers that remind them of it. They might have sleep issues, breathing issues, or even stomach issues. A person who has developed any of these long term symptoms should reach out for help by a counselor or therapist.

Why is trauma related to substance use? It is well established that one in four individuals with trauma will develop a substance use issue. It is suggested that many who use substances do so to escape the pain in thier lives and to numb the pain of trauma. It is often more successful for an individual who has started on thier relapse prevention program and sobriety to begin addressing their trauma, since that is often a trigger for relapse.

I want you to know that you are not alone. I have worked with many people who have learned to cope with these issues. I am a trauma trained professional and use EMDR, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy in my practice.

"EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.”

~ The EMDR Institute

If you or someone you know is coping with trauma, please call for help to get back on track.

New Hope Counseling 502-712-9604