Trauma
Trauma Therapy in Honolulu
What is Trauma?
Psychological Trauma can be defined as a difficult experience that affects us emotionally in very significant ways. Trauma often challenges (or threatens) the sense of normalcy in our individual worlds, and/or the world in general. Examples of what may be experienced as a traumatic incident include, but are not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Interpersonal Violence
- Domestic Violence
- War
- Childhood abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Terrorist attacks
- Racism
- Homophobia
- Tragic/sudden death of a loved one
As you can imagine, many of us experience traumatic incidents in our lives. Our clients may come to us for many reasons, like when they are worried about a loved one who does not seem to be recovering from a series of traumatic events, or when they may be survivors themselves of a recent traumatic incident or chronic trauma and they want to make sure they can heal from in healthy ways. Whatever brings you to our doors, we welcome you and see the strength and courage in you that will help you reach your goals.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a condition a person may develop after exposure to a life-threatening event or an event that threatens a person’s sense of safety. It is normal to experience symptoms of PTSD following a traumatic event, however if these symptoms do not improve over time, it may indicate a mental health condition.
According to the National Center for PTSD, about 7 or 8 out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences symptoms of PTSD was subject to a life-threatening event. For example, a sudden and unexpected loss can trigger a PTSD reaction.
Symptoms of PTSD
- Feeling detached or numb
- Difficulty remembering details of traumatic event
- Nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive memories of the trauma
- Negative changes in your thoughts or beliefs (e.g., no one can be trusted)
- Physical reactions to reminders of trauma (e.g., racing heart, sweating, nausea, re-experiencing physical sensations of the trauma)
- Dissociation/Loss of time – inability to recall events or details for hours or days at a time
- Easily startled or hypervigilant