Trauma

Trauma is a person’s emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, natural disaster, abuse, or crimes like rape or violence. Going through a very stressful, frightening, or distressing event that resulted in physical, emotional, and/or life-threatening harm is sometimes called trauma. Immediately after the event, it is natural to experience shock, denial, or “freeze.” While these feelings in situations like that are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives and often feel “stuck” in the trauma.  

Longer term trauma impacts include changes in people’s mental, physical, and emotional health and affect individuals’ social, occupational, and/or spiritual well-being. Some of the commonly experienced long-term trauma symptoms include unpredictable emotions, avoiding places/situations that remind them of the event, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. It is also commonly reported that individuals with long-term trauma symptoms develop unhealthy patterns of substance use (e.g., increased drinking, use of recreational drugs). 

Watch this video to learn more about “What is PTSD?”

Anyone can be affected by trauma regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. The cost of trauma is tremendous at many different levels by putting a heavy burden on individuals, families, and communities. While how one responds to trauma and manages to cope with trauma is very personal, a strong support system can facilitate the person’s recovery from trauma by fortifying their resilience. 

Individuals with such long-term adverse impacts from trauma are often diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by their healthcare provider(s) and can benefit from various types of treatments available. Psychologists and other mental health providers can help them find constructive ways of managing their emotions and behaviors that are changed by the trauma.

Watch this video to learn more about “PTSD Treatment: Know Your Options.”

I specialize in treating trauma problems with a number of successful treatment experiences. I utilize various techniques from evidence-based treatment approaches including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-based Intervention. I carefully examine each individual’s trauma history and how they are affected by the trauma (overall physical and mental health, social and occupational functioning), and provide interventions that are empirically supported and tailored to their unique situations. 

Watch this video to learn more about “Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD.” 

My work with trauma patients has been extremely rewarding and fulfilling as I was lucky enough to be part of their recovery. I find a great satisfaction in my work when patients successfully complete their treatment and resume the life they wanted, after they put life on hold because of the trauma. I love helping people reclaim their life, feel empowered, and build hope and goals that they desire through the journey of recovery. 

To learn more about and discuss your problems with trauma, please schedule a free 15 minute consultation with me.