Trauma refers to the psychological distress brought on when someone is involved in or witness to a terrifying event.

Abuse, car crashes, natural disasters, and military conflict can all be sources of trauma. Any life-threatening event can be traumatic for the people involved. Those who have lived through trauma can continue to feel its effects years or even decades later.

Psychotherapy allows survivors a safe and confidential opportunity to talk about the trauma they have endured and determine how it is still influencing their mental and emotional health.
With help from a counselor, clients are able to come to a better understanding of their past trauma and their current psychological state. This can be a very liberating experience because it opens the door for more reflection and self-improvement.

Trauma plays a role in several mental health issues, most notably post-traumatic stress disorder. A therapist may try one course of action for a client who has PTSD but take a different tack for a traumatized person who has developed anger management issues.

All clients will eventually have a chance to examine how their traumatic experiences are still shaping the ways they think and behave. One issue many survivors face is guilt, especially if they were involved in a traumatic experience in which other people were injured or killed.

Survivor’s guilt can affect a person’s sense of self-worth long after the traumatic experience. A skilled therapist can help people recognize when they are judging themselves irrationally or holding themselves up to an impossible standard.

Counselors can also teach stress management techniques. These can help survivors manage ongoing anxiety or cope with extremely distressing episodes, such as a flashback.
Trauma survivors are each unique. Some struggle to form relationships, have trouble sleeping, or feel pain with no apparent physical cause. They may also deal with mental health issues completely unrelated to the trauma they have endured. It is important to speak with an empathetic professional who can speak to all of these concerns.

If you or someone you know is having trouble processing recent or past trauma, therapy can provide comfort and support as you work toward solutions. Call the MindSol Wellness Center today to schedule a trauma therapy appointment in Sarasota, FL. Our phone number is (941) 256-3725.