The impact of trauma may show up in various ways that are personal to you, and it is okay to need someone to help you walk through it. Whether you are dealing with fear, isolation, flashbacks, mood changes, feelings of being disconnected from others, or relationship changes, you deserve to have someone walk with you.

• Do you have recurring unwanted images or dreams about the traumatic event that distress you?
• Do you sometimes feel as if the trauma is still happening even though it is in the past?
• Does your body feel like it is in constant fight or flight?
• Has the way you see yourself, others, and/or the world changed in a negative way? (ex. “I am bad.” “Men aren’t safe.”)
• Do you feel sad, angry, or anxious most of the time, even when doing things you used to enjoy? 
• Do you feel disconnected or estranged from others?
• Have you noticed a change in behavior since the traumatic event? (ex. Difficulty sleeping, engaging in risk-taking behavior, difficulty concentrating)

The questions above encapsulate some of the ways that trauma can leave an impact. Its also important to note that with chronic trauma, especially in childhood, these symptoms may have persisted for weeks, months, or even years.

Many different events can trigger a post-traumatic stress response, and what causes PTSD could be different from person to person. The pain and impact of trauma are still the same. It affects relationships, your ability to manage emotions, and can even have physical manifestations through chronic stomach issues, high blood pressure, and fatigue. It can interfere with your ability to focus or complete tasks, making work or school more difficult. Trauma counseling can help you come to terms with your pain and help you forge meaning from a fractured world. 

Family and social support can also be key parts of trauma recovery. Sometimes, one of the most damaging impacts of trauma is the feeling of isolation or disconnection from others. Having supportive, caring people to lean on in the midst of trauma recovery can help manage triggers and increase hope that the world can be a safe place again.

Will you prescribe medication?

In short, a therapist cannot prescribe medication. The medication would need to be prescribed by a medically licensed physician or psychiatrist. However, if you are interested, medication can be helpful in conjunction with therapy, and your therapist can discuss the possibility of including medicine in your treatment plan.

Would medication be quicker and easier than therapy?

According to the National Institute for Mental Health and numerous studies, some form of talk therapy in conjunction with medication is the most effective treatment for PTSD. Medication helps with the physiological hyperarousal that can occur with PTSD, and talk therapy helps with the emotional, mental, and relational scarring that can occur when someone experiences trauma. 

Will my trauma be too much for my therapist to handle?

Our mental health professionals are trained to help! The inner voice of trauma often tells us we are too much of a burden to place on others. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation. Therapy is a safe place where you do not have to hold that pain alone. We are here to support you, and you are not too much. 

Do you work with teens or only adults?

Trauma impacts all ages, and our therapists are equipped to help ages 13 and up. All minors must have parental consent for treatment from both parents or guardians and may require attendance by at least one parent for the first session. Children under the age of 13 cannot be left alone in the building by the parent. You can discuss this with your therapist for further clarification.