Trauma and PTSD
Trauma is simply the brain’s response to an experience that overwhelms our brain’s ability to cope in the way we usually would. There are no rules about which events are and are not considered trauma. If you experienced the event as traumatic, then it is worthy of the support and attention that is needed to heal from it.
When we experience trauma, our brains have a difficult time “bouncing back” from the experience. We may struggle with feelings of anxiety or depression. We may feel unsafe, like we are always looking over our shoulder for the next scary thing to happen. We may startle easily. We may re-experience the event through nightmares or flashbacks. We may even begin to pull away from loved ones and isolate ourselves. All of these are normal responses to experiencing a traumatic event. These are the ways that our brains have learned to protect us from something happening to us again. Even though these responses are normal, they can still feel overwhelming. Therapy can help you to learn how to let your brain know that you are safe now so that you can continue with the parts of your life that feel enriching and joyful.
Trauma is a big shock to your system. It is normal to feel overwhelmed after a traumatic event, and healing takes time. Some people are able to quickly process the trauma they experienced and return to their new "normal.” Others, however, go on to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in response to the trauma they experienced.
PTSD really just means that the normal reaction your brain had to the traumatic event is starting to get in the way of your everyday life. Your brain is doing its best to protect you, but its attempts at protection are having unintended consequences.
Together, we will teach your brain the skills that it needs to identify when you are truly in danger, and when you can afford let your guard down. We will process the memory of the experience that is still so present in your mind. And we will honor the strength you have shown in surviving and help you incorporate this strength into the way you think about your story.