Is Trauma Therapy Right For Me?

Do I need Trauma Therapy?

Does this sound familiar? Your mood swings are unpredictable, you suffer from nightmares and anxiety, and you feel overwhelmed with daily tasks.

As you walk through life, you feel disconnected and lost and find that your relationships are suffering. You have a persistent sense of sadness and fear that comes out of nowhere. When your feelings are too much, you choose to cope with addictions and self-harm. Could it be that you are masking all these issues with people-pleasing, over planning, and controlling those around you?

Many of us journey through life carrying the weight of trauma and not even realizing it. As trauma recovery is becoming more normalized, we are learning to accept that our experiences may have been too heavy for us to carry alone.

Trauma can be a tricky little devil. It is not always obvious. Sure, we all know how to recognize overt trauma like sufferings in the military and growing up in a physically and sexually abusive home. However, many have experienced trauma, and not realized what it was at the time. Often, trauma disguises itself as religious coercion, critical and demanding parents, witnessing abuse, complicated grief, and prolonged mental manipulation.

Here are some signs that you or a loved one may have experienced trauma.

Emotional Symptoms:

  1. Persistent Sadness or Depression:

    • Feeling sad, hopeless, or numb for extended periods.

    • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.

  2. Anxiety or Panic Attacks:

    • Constant feelings of worry, fear, or panic without a clear cause.

    • Experiencing panic attacks or intense fear that comes on suddenly.

  3. Anger or Irritability:

    • Having difficulty controlling anger or experiencing frequent outbursts.

    • Feeling easily frustrated or irritated by minor issues.

  4. Mood Swings:

    • Experiencing rapid and intense changes in mood.

    • Feeling emotionally unstable or unpredictable.

Cognitive Symptoms:

  1. Intrusive Thoughts or Flashbacks:

    • Reliving the traumatic event as if it were happening again (flashbacks).

    • Having unwanted and distressing thoughts or memories about the trauma.

  2. Nightmares or Sleep Disturbances:

    • Having frequent nightmares related to the trauma.

    • Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often waking up feeling restless.

  3. Difficulty Concentrating:

    • Struggling to focus on tasks or experiencing memory problems.

    • Feeling easily distracted or mentally foggy.

Behavioral Symptoms:

  1. Avoidance:

    • Avoiding places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma.

    • Withdrawing from social interactions or isolating yourself from others.

  2. Substance Abuse:

    • Using alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with emotional pain.

    • Increasing reliance on substances to numb or escape from feelings.

  3. Self-Harm or Suicidal Thoughts:

    Engaging in self-destructive behaviors, such as cutting or burning yourself.

    Having thoughts of suicide or feeling that life is not worth living.

Physical Symptoms:

  1. Chronic Pain or Health Issues:

    Experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension.

    Persistent fatigue or lack of energy despite adequate rest.

  2. Hypervigilance:

    Being constantly on edge, alert, or easily startled.

    Feeling like you are always in danger or that something bad will happen.

Relationship Issues:

  1. Difficulty Trusting Others:

    Struggling to form or maintain close relationships.

    Feeling detached or disconnected from loved ones.

  2. Problems with Intimacy:

    Experiencing difficulties with physical or emotional intimacy.

    Avoiding closeness or feeling uncomfortable with affection.

Impact on Daily Life:

  1. Impacted Daily Functioning:

    Struggling to perform daily tasks, such as work, school, or household responsibilities.

    Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks or responsibilities.

  2. Loss of Sense of Self:

    Feeling disconnected from yourself or your identity.

    Having a diminished sense of purpose or meaning in life.

My hope for you is that you can gain an awareness and knowledge about your symptoms. I hope that you can feel safe in reaching out to a trusted source for support. My hope is also that you can find renewal in your spirit and in your relationship with God during your healing journey.

In my trauma sessions, we often reflect on how God is holding you through your suffering. We also explore what these hurt parts of you need to hear from a faithful and loving God. My prayer for all my trauma recovery clients is that you find a peace within yourself after healing. I pray you come out of the other side more grounded and connected with your authentic self and also connected with a God who wants freedom and self-compassion for you.

As always, I am here for you and hope to be helpful in your healing. I would love to hear about your healing journey by clicking on the link below. I am also available for free consultation calls to determine if therapy or coaching is right for you. Reach out anytime! Be well and blessed, Whitney

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