Trauma Therapy
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Trauma Therapy
Trauma is an emotional wound caused by extreme stress. This is usually acute stress following an event involving the threat of death or injury, either to oneself or a loved one. Trauma can also be caused by chronic stress, including recurring episodes of abuse or years of stress without effective coping.
In some cases, trauma can cause post-traumatic stress, and the onset of PTSD. However, not all traumatic events result in trauma, and not all forms of trauma result in PTSD. There are other trauma-related stress disorders, and many people experience trauma without experiencing significant impairment.
Even those who cope well with trauma are entitled to seek out professional help in managing and addressing their past.
People who have experienced trauma but don’t qualify for a PTSD diagnosis may still struggle to work as effectively as they could in the past, or experience other forms of stress because of their experiences. They are at a greater risk of developing other mental health issues, including symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Resolving trauma can help improve your long-term mental and physical health, and even go so far as to take stress off the heart and mind. It’s important to address trauma, rather than let it fester and grow into something worse.
What is Trauma?
We define emotional trauma as the psychological result of a grave experience, not just because of the severity of the traumatic event, but because experiencing trauma can result in changes in the brain. Carrying around trauma can reduce a person’s cognitive abilities, affect their memory and reasoning, and cause hypervigilance. It can change your fight-or-flight response, and contribute to feelings of fatigue. It can negatively impact your sleep habits. It can leave a lasting impression on your mind and body, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis.
Traumatic events are defined by the real threat of injury or death, to yourself or a loved one. They include witnessing or experiencing violence, natural disasters, or pain and suffering. Indirect exposure to these events, such as among first responders, can also result in trauma.
Then, there are examples of intergenerational, racial, or historical trauma. While most traumatic events are random occurrences, certain people are unfortunately affected by systemic violence or trauma due to prejudice or bias.
For example, the children of those who survived the Holocaust continued to feel the effects of their parents’ experiences through their stories, and way those horrors shaped their lives. Generations of Native Americans continue to experience health inequities following the historical trauma their ancestors suffered.
The horrors of genocide or systemic racism can echo through generations, affecting present generations through cycles of violence perpetuated by a systemic bias, or the memories and stories of their ancestors.
Get Started With Us at Coastwise
While not all traumatic events lead to diagnosable conditions like PTSD, unresolved trauma can negatively impact mental and physical health.
At Coastwise, we offer trauma therapy grounded in trauma-informed care principles, prioritizing safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, cultural humility, and peer support. By addressing trauma through evidence-based modalities and fostering a supportive environment, we empower individuals to heal and reclaim their well-being. Get in touch with us today to find out more about treatment at Coastwise.
Types of Trauma-Related Conditions
The most known condition related to trauma is post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, trauma can also result in:
Acute stress disorder –
ASD shares the symptoms of PTSD but occurs within a month of the traumatic event. In many cases, ASD is temporary, and symptoms go away on their own. However, support and treatment can help make this transition much smoother.
Adjustment disorder –
A condition characterized by difficulty coping with change after a sudden, often traumatic event. People with adjustment disorder have difficulty moving on with other aspects of their life after trauma.
Disinhibited social engagement disorder –
This is a childhood condition characterized by excessive trust in strangers, seen in children with a history of neglect and trauma.
Reactive attachment disorder –
Another childhood condition characterized by outbursts of anger and distress, or emotional withdrawal, especially around caregivers.
And unspecified trauma- or stressor-related disorders –
not all forms of trauma are recognized as clear diagnoses. When a person’s symptoms don’t fit another condition, but are related to a traumatic event, they may be struggling with an unspecific disorder or condition.
In addition to trauma-specific mental health conditions, trauma can also contribute to the development of:
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders
- Dissociative disorders
- Substance use disorders
- Personality disorders
Defining Trauma-Informed Therapy at Coastwise
Trauma-informed care at Coastwise follows the six principles outlined by the CDC’s Office of readiness and Response (ORR). These principles are:
Safety:
Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of individuals who have experienced trauma. This includes creating environments that are physically safe and promoting trust among clients.
Trustworthiness and Transparency:
Build trust with clients by maintaining clear and transparent communication, setting clear expectations, and being honest and consistent in interactions.
Empowerment and Choice:
Recognize the importance of empowering individuals to make choices and have control over their own treatment. Offer options and involve clients in decision-making processes related to their care, treatment goals, and interventions.
Collaboration and Mutuality:
Foster collaborative relationships between Coastwise staff and clients based on mutual respect, empathy, and partnership. Recognize the expertise of clients in their own experiences and involve them as active participants in their treatment and recovery process.
Cultural Humility and Responsiveness:
Acknowledge and respect the cultural, racial, historical, and gender backgrounds, beliefs, and values of clients receiving care. We exercise cultural humility by continuously learning about diverse perspectives and adapting approaches to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Peer Support and Mutual Aid:
: Recognize the value of peer support and mutual aid in promoting healing and recovery for individuals who have experienced trauma. Encourage connections with peers who have similar experiences, providing opportunities for validation, empathy, and shared learning. We incorporate peer support by encouraging clients to continue to seek help through group therapy, support networks, and online PTSD groups after treatment. We find that peer support can offer a sense of belonging, reduce isolation, and inspire hope by showcasing examples of mental resilience.