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Trauma can be complicated and make all aspects of life difficult. In this article we explain what trauma is and how it's treated in therapy.
What are trauma and PTSD?
Trauma is a psychological reaction to an event that is deeply unpleasant or stressful. It can involved threats to one’s life or safety and happen without the person being psychologically equipped to handle the event.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a complex set of symptoms that can occur after experiencing a trauma. However, not everyone who has experienced a trauma later suffers from PTSD. Trauma and PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background.
Statistics and facts
- PTSD affects 3.5% of American adults each year (American Psychiatric Association, 2024)
- Women are twice as likely as men to develop PTSD
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Symptoms and signs
People suffering from PTSD may experience:
- Re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks
- Emotional numbness
- Greatly increased nervous system activity, which can include insomnia, irritability and exaggerated fear reactions
- Hypervigiliance and/or hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli
Many people with PTSD report a constant sense of danger or threat, even in safe environments, which can make everyday activities and relationships difficult.
Therapy for PTSD
When it comes to treating PTSD, there are several treatment options to consider. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a proven method that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors and includes a specialized form for people with trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) helps process and re-evaluate traumatic memories using repetitive sensory stimuli. Alternative methods including tapping and havening, body-focused interventions you can learn with a therapist’s help. Choosing one of these therapies in combination with medication such as antidepressants is often part of the treatment plan. It is important to discuss different options with a qualified psychologist or therapist to find the right treatment for you.
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How therapy can help
Therapy can give you tools to manage symptoms, work through the emotional and psychological impact of the underlying trauma, and find ways of narrating the traumatic events. Although it can feel uncomfortable or even overwhelming at times, therapy has many benefits. It gives you a safe place to express and explore your feelings which can significantly help the recovery process. It takes strength to take the first step towards recovery.
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If you are experiencing symptoms of a trauma reaction or PTSD, it’s time to talk with the therapist. Go ahead and search our therapists’ online profiles and find one that’s a good match for you.
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10 common questions about PTSD and trauma
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and is a mental illness that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event. This condition can lead to severe emotional and physical symptoms.
How does trauma occur?
Trauma usually occurs after a serious event that causes mental, emotional or physical harm. It can include anything from natural disasters and accidents to personal experiences such as abuse, war or involuntary loss. People can also be traumatized by witnessing an event that was threatening to other people or hearing from others how they experienced a traumatic situation. How trauma occurs depends on a person’s age, mental and physical preparedness, and the duration of the threatening event.
What are the most common symptoms of PTSD?
The most common symptoms include reliving the traumatic event, avoidance behavior, increased vigilance, and negative changes in emotions and thoughts. These symptoms can be long-lasting and affect everyday life.
How is PTSD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of PTSD is carried out by qualified psychologists or psychiatrists and often involves both self-report tests and clinical interviews. Diagnostic tools such as the DSM-5 are also used.
Is there a cure for PTSD?
There is no “cure” in the traditional sense, but there are treatment methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication that can help manage the symptoms.
What are ‘flashbacks’?
Flashbacks are intense and often unpleasant re-experiences of the traumatic event. They may involve seeing, hearing or smelling something that reminds you of the traumatic event. This can happen automatically, i.e. you can have bodily reactions or feelings of discomfort without understanding why it happens. Strong anxiety as a reaction is also common.
How does PTSD affect relationships?
PTSD can make it difficult to maintain close relationships due to symptoms such as isolation, irritability and lack of trust. This can also lead to problems with work and social activities.
Is PTSD related to depression?
Yes, PTSD and depression often go hand in hand. Many people with PTSD also experience symptoms of depression, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment.
What is the difference between acute stress disorder and PTSD?
Acute stress disorder occurs immediately after the traumatic event and lasts for a short period of time. If symptoms persist for more than a month, it can develop into PTSD.
How to seek help?
If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD or trauma, it is important to seek professional help. You can book an appointment with a psychologist or therapist via our website. We make the difficult easier by offering online and face-to-face session options.
What is Complex Trauma?
Complex trauma occurs when a person may have been exposed to highly unpleasant situations over a long period of time, such as bullying, mental breakdown or harassment. The nature of the trauma may also depend on the age at which you experienced the trauma.
How a therapist treats trauma and PTSD
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD or other trauma symptoms, life can be scary and confusing. It is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Remember that only a qualified healthcare provider can make a diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan.
- Step 1: Diagnostic Evaluation
The first step is to undergo a diagnostic evaluation with a therapist to determine if you have PTSD or another related condition. - Step 2: Individualized treatment plan
If a diagnosis is made, your healthcare provider will design an individualized treatment plan based on your needs. - Step 3: Psychotherapy
Various forms of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD. The most common are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Tapping and/or havening are effective for some clients as well. - Step 4: Pharmacological treatment
In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed to help you manage your symptoms. - Step 5: Monitoring and adjustment
Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to adjust the treatment plan as you progress. - Step 6: Self-help and support groups
Many people find it useful to attend support groups or use self-help techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises. Therefore, it is often part of your treatment plan. - Step 7: Long-term follow-up
After you complete the initial treatment phase, long-term follow-up and possibly continued therapy or medication will be necessary to help you maintain your well-being.
Next steps
Dealing with PTSD or trauma can be a long and challenging process, but it is possible to feel better and regain control of your life. With us, you can easily get in touch with psychologists and therapists who can help you on your journey. Don’t hesitate to take the first step and seek help today. Together we can make the hard things easier.
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