Trauma

Trauma occurs when an experience overwhelms a person's ability to cope, leaving lasting effects on emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing. Trauma-informed care recognizes the prevalence of trauma and its wide-ranging impact.

Prevalence

About 70% of American adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. Of those, approximately 20% develop PTSD.

Symptoms of Trauma

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Avoidance of reminders
• Emotional numbing
• Hypervigilance
• Difficulty trusting others
• Physical symptoms (chronic pain, GI issues)
• Shame and self-blame

Types of Trauma

• Acute trauma (single event)
• Complex trauma (repeated events)
• Developmental/childhood trauma
• Racial and cultural trauma
• Medical trauma
• Vicarious/secondary trauma

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

• Trauma-Focused CBT
• EMDR
• Somatic therapy
• Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
• EMDR Intensive Programs
• Safe Messaging approaches
• Trauma-informed yoga

When to Seek Help

If past experiences continue to affect your current functioning, relationships, or mental health, working with a trauma-informed therapist can bring significant healing.

Recovery Outlook

Trauma therapy is effective. EMDR, for example, has helped a high percentage of people process traumatic memories and significantly reduce symptoms.