An Evidence-Based Approach to Trauma Recovery
The term trauma can be tricky to define as it’s often used in different ways. For psychologists in Cinncinati, OH, trauma typically refers to highly stressful events that cause negative changes in emotional health. This can result in symptoms of anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression.
Trauma takes many forms, including
childhood abuse
sexual, domestic
physical assault
first-responder stress for firefighters, EMS, and police
life-threatening vehicle accidents
combat
natural disasters
life-threatening medical emergencies
Regardless of the type of traumatic event, the issues that trauma survivors struggle with are often very similar.
These include problems such as:
intrusive and scary memories
feeling intensely triggered by reminders of the trauma
feeling on guard, feeling cut off
unable to relate to others
In fact, although historical references to PTSD exclusively used combat-specific terms like “shell shock,” “soldier’s heart,” or “battle fatigue,” the diagnosis was developed once trauma therapists realized that abuse and sexual assault survivors were struggling with the exact same set of symptoms as combat vets.
A common concern that I hear from many trauma survivors
Is that, compared to what others have gone through, their trauma isn’t that bad. Or that they don’t need help as much as other people, And even that PTSD is something specific to only combat. During my years working at the VA hospital, I even heard Veterans express some variation of this same reservation. There seems to be something difficult about acknowledging how traumatic and damaging the past has been.
How Can You Begin to Recover in PTSD Treatment and Trauma Therapy?
Often, the first step in recovery from trauma and PTSD is fully accepting that trauma has in fact occurred…that it can’t be undone…and that it was that bad. Perhaps because a major part of PTSD involves avoidance of unpleasant emotions, memories, and reminders, it can be tempting for trauma survivors to want to minimize the severity of what they’ve been through. Or even ignore the ways in which they continue to suffer. For others, it can feel like those who have perpetrated trauma against them are “winning” if the past is continuing to haunt them.
Thankfully, acknowledging and accepting that a trauma has occurred, can position oneself to take the steps needed to feel better. Contrary to popular belief, people can heal from trauma and PTSD. Although the past cannot be undone, the power that traumatic events continue to have in the present can be greatly diminished.
PTSD Treatment and Trauma Therapy in Ohio Offers Effective Treatment Options
Moreover, because trauma and PTSD have been widely studied for decades, a variety of effective treatment options exist. Some of these approaches are especially well suited to addressing feelings of guilt and shame. Others are better suited toward addressing fear and anxiety. Some specifically target particular symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares and insomnia. In other words, rather than a “one-size fits all” approach, evidence-based therapy for PTSD (that is, therapeutic techniques with research to back them up) entails a variety of possible approaches.
A well-trained and experienced trauma therapist can talk to you about more than just one treatment option. They can help you decide which techniques make the most sense for you, your goals, and your preferences. For a list of some of the specific evidence-based treatments for the trauma that I provide, please see my list of available evidence-based therapies here.
Get Started with PTSD Treatment and Trauma Therapy in Cincinnati, OH Today!
If you have any questions about whether trauma treatment is appropriate for you, or which type might make the most sense, I welcome you to call or schedule a free consultation at Ascend Psychological Services in Ohio. I would be happy to discuss the specific issues that you’re struggling with, as well as the types of interventions that are best suited to meet your needs. To get started with a trauma therapist, follow these simple steps:
Meet with your trauma therapist
Begin to heal past your trauma
Other Services at Ascend Psychological Services
You do not have to do this alone. Mental health services are here to support your healing journey from various types of trauma. However, If you’re looking for a different kind of support, PTSD treatment, and trauma therapy in my Cinncinati. OH, counseling practice isn’t the only service offered. Additional mental health services Ascend Psychological Services provides include depression treatment, anxiety treatment, marriage counseling and couples therapy, grief counseling, insomnia treatment, psychological assessments, online therapy in Ohio. Additionally, I offer CBT therapy, prolonged exposure, written exposure therapy, accelerated resolution therapy, cognitive processing therapy, and person-centered approaches. When you’re ready to begin services, I am here to support you.