After living through a traumatic event, all individuals have their own unique ways of responding. The emotions you feel and the ways in which you internally process what happened are going to be different from how another person might cope with a similar experience. But no matter how you deal with trauma, it is important to understand that you are not alone; millions of other people have experienced trauma in their lives. And at Suffolk Counseling Services, we are here to help you work through your personal experience, providing you with the necessary tools to achieve emotional wellness.
Counseling for Trauma
What Is Trauma?
Trauma comes in many forms and may affect you in different ways. Sometimes a traumatic childhood experience can trigger negative thoughts and feelings decades after it occurred. Other times something as commonplace as being in a car accident can internalize panic which may present itself unexpectedly. Whatever the case may be, there are healthy ways to move on and learn from your own experience, gaining emotional strength and resilience in the process.
Some Common Types of Trauma Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder
- Adjustment Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is the most widely experienced trauma disorder, affecting around 8 million adults in the US every year.
“Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop after exposure to a potentially traumatic event that is beyond a typical stressor. Events that may lead to PTSD include, but are not limited to, violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, combat, and other forms of violence. Exposure to events like these is common. About one half of all U.S. adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, but most do not develop PTSD. People who experience PTSD may have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories of the event(s), experience sleep problems, feel detached or numb, or may be easily startled. In severe forms, PTSD can significantly impair a person’s ability to function at work, at home, and socially.”
Successfully Coping With PTSD and Other Trauma Disorders
Has a situation ever caused you to feel a loss of control over your mental or physical health? When a traumatic experience triggers a loss in your innate sense of safety, it is not uncommon for that experience to manifest itself in the form of PTSD or other trauma disorders. The licensed therapists at Suffolk Counseling Services can teach you coping skills and specialized techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to manage the physical and emotional symptoms you may be experiencing.
Taking a Trauma-Informed Approach
At Suffolk Counseling Services, we provide a safe, judgement-free environment where you can feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and emotions. Our therapists take what is known as a trauma-informed approach, applying this methodology when working with each client. A trauma-informed approach is comprised of three principle aspects including:
Realizing the fact that trauma is a widespread experience that affects many individuals while having a deep understanding of the different paths to recovery
Recognizing how trauma may present its symptoms differently in each individual
Responding to your unique needs accordingly
Once you have built a strong and trusting rapport with your therapist, he or she will help you to understand the facts about what you are personally experiencing. Using that knowledge, you will be better prepared to successfully implement the various coping mechanisms and tools practiced and discussed during your counseling sessions.
