What is Trauma?

Trauma is said to be an emotional response to a terrible event. Although there are typical events that come to mind when we think trauma such as abuse, sexual assaults, and car accidents the reality is that trauma can come in many shapes and sizes and can be experienced very differently in people. Trauma is also about perspective, what one person may experience as traumatic, another may not. How we experience and respond to terrible event can have a significant impact on our daily functioning and emotional wellness.

Signs of a Trauma Response

As mentioned, people may react and respond to traumatic experiences very differently. However, there are common signs of a trauma response that people can be aware of in order to know when to seek help. Some of the common signs of trauma include:
  • Re-experiencing the event through nightmares and flashbacks
  • Increased fear; seeing danger everywhere
  • Increased anxiety and hypervigilance; easily startled and often on edge
  • Increase anger and irritability
  • Increased sadness and depression
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, and self blame
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Avoidance of certain people, places, and things

Often times these symptoms will subside after a period of days to months, however if you find yourself continuing to struggle with these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, it may be time to seek help

Trauma Specific Treatment at Queen City Counseling

Our clinicians operate from a trauma informed lens that promotes resiliency and many of our therapists offer specific modalities that are designed to assist in the healing process from a variety of traumas. Please speak to one of our clinicians if you have an interest in one of our trauma specific modalities. Upon assessment our clinicians will determine if this is the right fit for you and help prepare you for the trauma therapy process. 

Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a short term therapy that works to heal the mind from psychological trauma, much like the body heals from physical wounds. EMDR is utilized to remove the mental block that prevents healing and recovery. EMDR is an 8 phase treatment in which clients will be asked to hold a memory of an event or part of a memory of an event in mind while a therapist engages “Bilateral stimulation” in the form of eye movements, tapping, or vibrations. Research has shown that rapid eye movement along with other stimulation when done correctly, but a trained therapist can help internal associations arise to begin the healing process. Significant research has been conducted on the effectiveness of EMDR with trauma symptoms.

For more information, please visit: emdr.com or emdria.org

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a brief, mind-body therapy that helps individuals process and release stored trauma and emotions by focusing on specific spots in their visual field, known as “brainspots”. These spots are associated with emotional and physical sensations linked to past experiences. By holding their gaze at these brainspots, clients can unlock, and process deeply held trauma and emotions, potentially leading to a more grounded and integrated sense of self. 

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT)

TFCBT is an evidenced based short-term structured therapy that generally lasts anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. TFCBT incorporates several interventions with a trauma sensitive approach to support individuals struggling with the destructive effects of trauma. Within the model, cognitive Behavioral techniques help to modify distorted or unhealthy thinking, reactions and behaviors stemming from traumatic experiences and TFCBT brings non-offending parents and/or caregivers into treatment to incorporate family psychoeducation and principles of family therapy.