Trauma Therapy in Cedar Park, TX—Counselors
When people live through trauma of any kind, it can be difficult to speak about the horror they have experienced. Sebastian and many others understand the challenge, but they also understand the many benefits of opening up about what happened. If you have experienced trauma, know that it is okay to talk about what has happened to you.
Skilled therapists understand the toll that trauma takes, but they also know that incredible healing and growth can come from incredible difficulty. Trauma therapy has helped many people find the healing from trauma that they need and deserve. If you think you could benefit, reach out to Thriveworks Cedar Park to schedule your first trauma therapy appointment. We have helped many clients come to understand what has happened to them and how to find their own healing path.
Trauma and PTSD
Everyone responds to trauma differently. For many, the traumatic event does not end when they are returned to safety. The feelings and memories of the event can continue. Not everyone will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, but there are certain risk factors that make it more likely. One important thing to know is that PTSD has nothing to do with whether a person is strong or weak. The risk factors for experiencing trauma and developing PTSD are often not in a person’s control. Those risk factors include:
- Living through a long-lasting or acute trauma.
- How an individual’s brain regulates hormones that help them respond to danger and stress.
- Genetics, especially a family history of anxiety or depression.
- Other traumas an individual has experienced, especially childhood abuse.
- Temperament that an individual inherits.
- Having employment where trauma exposure is a possibility: medical professional, military service, first responder, et cetera.
- A history of substance abuse.
- Inadequate support from one’s community, friends, and family.
Trauma can come in any number of forms. A few common ways that people experience trauma are combat exposure, physical assault, sexual violence, receiving a terminal medical diagnosis, childhood abuse (sexual, emotional, and/or physical), living through an accident (car wreck, fire, et cetera), being bullied or threatened, and more.
PTSD Symptoms
At any moment, people with PTSD can relive the event—feeling the same panic, fear, and horror as if the trauma were happening again. Reliving the trauma may look like…
- Experiencing night terrors and nightmares about the event.
- Having a flashback—a feeling as if they are re-living the event.
- Living with triggers: things they see, hear, or smell that remind people of the trauma.
PTSD may also look like someone who completely reorganizes their life to avoid any reminders of the trauma. Unfortunately, in doing so, people may avoid hard feelings, but they also may isolate themselves. This may look like…
- Avoiding crowds because they can feel dangerous.
- If the trauma occurred in a car, refusing to drive oneself anywhere or ride in a vehicle.
- Not watching the news, movies, or TV shows.
Trauma can negatively impact an individual’s feelings and thoughts about themselves, the world, and the event itself. For example, an individual may…
- Stop trusting other people—event those who are trustworthy.
- Refuse to speak about the event.
- Come to see the world as a hostile and dangerous place.
Trauma can leave people in a state of hyperarousal. That is, they may never be able to relax, but instead, they are always on the look out. They may have…
- Trouble sleeping.
- Trouble concentrating.
- A quick startle-reflex when they are surprised or hear a loud noise.
Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Cedar Park
If you have lived through a traumatic event, Thriveworks Cedar Park wants you to know that you are not alone. It is okay to talk about what happened to you. That is why we offer therapy for trauma. When you call our office, you may be meeting with a therapist within the week. Plus, we offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept most major insurances.
Let’s get started on a healing journey. Call Thriveworks Cedar Park today.
