Trauma & PTSD
Counseling for Trauma
Most people will face some form of trauma during their lifetime—whether from a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden loss of a loved one, a violent crime, exposure to war, or a natural disaster.
While many individuals recover over time with the support of family and friends and demonstrate remarkable resilience, others may experience lasting effects. These can include deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or symptoms of posttraumatic stress that persist long after the traumatic event has passed.
When facing trauma, the assistance and guidance of a therapist play a crucial role in the healing process.
Common Trauma Symptoms
The four types of trauma symptoms as identified in the DSM-5
Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Feeling emotionally numb, anxious, or guilty
Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and heightened alertness (hypervigilance)
- Aggressive or reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Difficulty recalling details of the traumatic event
- Changes in habits or behavior following the trauma
As per research, psychotherapy is one of the most effective ways to treat trauma. The most common and effective treatments for trauma are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the trauma symptoms described above, I’m here to help. Please feel free to contact me today to schedule a free consultation!
(409) 256-6171
Reclaim Your Peace With PTSD Counseling by Sandy Crisp-Heal, Recover, and Move Forward
Have you experienced any traumatic event that continues to haunt you in daily life? Are you overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, or emotional instability? Do you feel powerless over your thoughts, emotions, or reactions? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing deeply distressing events—such as natural disasters, accidents, military combat, violence, or personal assault. Some studies concluded that nearly 4% of adults in the U.S. struggle with PTSD. While often associated with veterans, PTSD can affect anyone—regardless of gender, race, or age. Notably, women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD symptoms.
Key Symptoms of PTSD You Shouldn’t Ignore
PTSD doesn’t always appear in obvious ways. These symptoms often build quietly over time, impacting your emotional well-being.
Intrusive Thoughts and Flashbacks
Unwanted, vivid memories, flashbacks, or nightmares make you feel like the traumatic event is happening all over again.
Emotional Numbness and Negative Mood Shifts
Difficulty feeling emotions, detachment from others, and persistent sadness, guilt, or hopelessness.
Hyperarousal and Heightened Reactivity
Feeling constantly on edge, easily startled, having angry outbursts, or having trouble sleeping
and focusing.
Avoidance of
Triggers
Avoiding people, places, conversations, or accidental touch in crowds that remind you of the trauma.
Cognitive and Emotional Complications
Frequent anxiety, depression, or distorted beliefs about
self, others, or the
world.
Neurological and Behavioral Effects
Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and increased risk of long-term brain-related
issues.
Substance Use and Risky Behavior
Using alcohol or drugs to numb the pain, leading to
dependency or reckless
actions.
Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts
Feelings of hopelessness may lead to self-injury or suicidal
ideation without
intervention.
Professional PTSD Treatment Options
If you’re suffering from PTSD, then you need the right therapeutic support. Professional PTSD counseling empowers you to process the trauma, reframe harmful thoughts, and rebuild emotional stability.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Designed for PTSD, CPT helps clients reframe harmful beliefs, process trauma, and release guilt or shame. It supports emotional healing by resolving stuck points.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A proven therapy using guided eye movements to help the brain process and reduce trauma-related distress, emotions, or memories faster than traditional methods.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This structured, talk-based therapy teaches you how to identify and shift unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. This therapy helps you manage PTSD symptoms and control your thoughts and behaviors.
If PTSD is affecting your quality of life, I invite you to connect with me.
Restoring hope. Reclaiming joy. Healing is possible. Let’s bring peace and strength through PTSD counseling together