Trauma Counseling in Greenville, SC.

  Understanding the Impact of Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can be an experience that causes us to feel overwhelmed, unsafe, and threatened. Our bodies hold onto the trauma and it is very hard for our brains to process these experiences. We develop a disconnect from processing and understanding the trauma. But, our senses continue to experience situations that heighten us. And, they bring back those memories and past experiences.

Many times, these events happen in childhood. But, the reality is that trauma can occur at any point in our lives. Trauma occurring in childhood can sometimes cause disruptions in a person’s emotional development. When the trauma is not resolved it can have far-reaching effects. It can impact our relationships and our overall sense of well-being as adults.

Trauma tends to fall into three different categories.

These categories are acute or single incident, chronic, and complex. Acute or single incident trauma happens from a one-time, single event. This may involve events such as a car accident or natural disaster. Trauma is considered chronic when it happens over an extended period. This might include domestic violence situations, ongoing child abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. A person who has experienced complex trauma has experienced a variety of interpersonal, intense incidents.

Trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person.

Everyone responds to trauma in different ways. Many people will struggle with serious side effects. These effects can make functioning throughout the day and relationships challenging. When experiencing trauma our body does not accurately store the experience. As a result, our bodies continue to feel the physical symptoms that happened during the event. This leaves you feeling on edge and unsafe.

Many people find it difficult to fall asleep and when they do, they are awakened by nightmares. Flashbacks are common and it may feel like you are reliving the event over and over. Going to work may be difficult because you are jumpy and on edge.

Even after the traumatic experience is passed, any hint of danger can cause your nervous system to respond.

It can respond in ways that cause you to feel overwhelmed and out of control. You do not have to live like this, and trauma counseling can help.

You may notice having some of these

thoughts and emotions:  

How could this have happened to me?

Why didn’t I do something to stop it?

Did this really happen?

I am confused.

There is no way this could have happened to me.

I’m so angry.

I am afraid.

I feel like it’s my fault.

I’m ashamed.

I will never move past this.

Physical symptoms you may be feeling:

difficulty concentrating

problems sleeping

no energy

easily startled

heart racing

agitated

increased aches and pain

muscle tension

unexplained illnesses

impulsive

responding to situations with more anger and aggression

When is it time to seek trauma counseling?

It is time to seek help when symptoms begin to cause issues at work, school, or at home. Your emotions and physical responses to what seems like “normal” everyday events are extreme. Then, when you reflect on your response it feels irrational and that it came out of nowhere. You may find that you are having nightmares.

Flashbacks happen unexpectedly. You limit activity with family and friends because you are afraid you will lose control. You may feel anxious and/or depressed. In addition, you may have even had thoughts life is not worth living if you have to continue to feel this way. If you are struggling to engage in life, finding a trained trauma therapist may be helpful. It may be helpful to find a counselor who can help you to understand the triggers, symptoms, and how experiences and traumas are affecting your life.

How a trauma therapist from our team can help:

Our counselors are trained in trauma counseling . They can help you reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. Your trauma therapist will help you identify triggers that are causing a trauma response. You will learn new ways of coping and an understanding of why you respond to experiences in life the way you do. Together you will determine the best course of treatment to meet your needs. And, the compassion and encouragement to work toward your goals.

What types of treatments help with

trauma counseling?

Research about trauma has found that more experiential treatments are better for treating trauma than cognitive or thought-based treatments. For many, trauma can cause a disconnect with a person’s body.

It is important to gain an understanding of how our bodies respond to triggers throughout the day. This also includes what thoughts may contribute to the responses we are experiencing.

An understanding of this is gained through:

Mindfulness

The Polyvagal Theory

Acceptance-Commitment Therapy (ACT)

And Constructed Awareness

Many of our counselors are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). EMDR is one of the most researched, evidence-based therapies to treat trauma and PTSD. It has also been found effective for anxiety and depression.

Traumatic memories become stuck at the moment in time that they happened. EMDR helps the brain to continue processing the memory. Many clients feel a significant reduction in distress related to the memory. Many reports no distress related to the memory once processing has been completed. Previous clients have been able to let go of past hurts, re-engage in life, and begin to thrive once again.

For more information about EMDR, please watch this short video from EMDRIA about EMDR and how it works.

You do not need to suffer in alone. We are here to support you in healing and in creating the life

you want to have.