Trauma affects everyone differently.
But what is it exactly? Trauma can appear in many ways. This could be abuse (physical, emotional, and sexual), medical illness or death of a loved one. Or, the death of a friend, early childhood trauma, divorce, domestic violence, disasters (such as fire, earthquake, etc.), even bullying!
So, what happens to our body when we experience trauma? Imagine you’ve experienced days, months, even years of hearing and watching your parents fight. Or, experience an assault or death of a loved one. When we feel stressed or threatened our bodies react. Our body’s way of responding to this stress is by releasing hormones called cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones let us know we are in “danger” and we need to “react.” This is when we sometimes feel we have no control over our body’s reaction to this outside stress.
Symptoms of trauma can look like:
- Freezing up (feeling paralyzed and unable to move)
- Anger, irritability, or mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame or self-blame
- Difficulty concentrating, confusion, or memory loss
- Withdrawing from others (isolating)
- Feeling disconnected or “numb”
Now, not all trauma is created equal. One type of trauma, “acute trauma” results in a single stressful event, such as a car accident or assault. However, “complex trauma” results from (you guessed it) repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as abuse, domestic violence, bullying, etc.
What about a global pandemic?
Would that be considered trauma? Absolutely!
According to a recent Forbes article, “the psychological effects of the pandemic have been compared to Hurricane Katrina and 9/11 bringing the nation’s mental health to its lowest point than any time in the last 20 years.” In fact, another study released by Mental Health America (MHA) reported that the number of people who have thought about suicide or self-harm is higher than ever recorded since the screening program was begun in 2014. (Drake, 2021).
We are experiencing a collective trauma. As a result, we are all experiencing sleep problems, anxiety, inability to focus or find motivation, agitation, numbness, exhaustion, even dissociation. Trauma can lead to low self-esteem, depression, increased anxiety, and a decline in our physical health as well.
You are not alone.
Our caring therapists at Therapyology are clinically trained certified trauma specialists. The second you walk through the door (or virtual door) we establish a safe and stable environment for you to feel supported and ready to start the journey of processing your trauma. We work with you in helping you identify triggers and build healthy coping skills. WE’ll be there with you every step of the way.
Sometimes this can include anxiety management and relaxation strategies. Together, we can a more resilient sense of self. We use trauma-informed care and cognitive behavioral therapy strategies to teach new skills and provide emotional support while processing unresolved trauma. Our ultimate goal is to support you in processing past trauma. And, learn how to manage symptoms of stress.
Begin Trauma Therapy in West Bloomfield, MI & San Francisco, CA
You don’t have to deal with the weight of your trauma on your mind. Our West Bloomfield therapy practice has caring therapists who can help you work through the past for a brighter future. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Request an appointment
- Meet with one of our caring therapists
- Start trauma therapy
Other Services Offered at Therapyology
Trauma therapy in West Bloomfield, MI isn’t the only service we offer in our West Bloomfield therapy practice. Other mental health services Therapyology provides include parent coaching, camp in California, online therapy, grief counseling, therapy for children, therapy for teens, therapy for children of divorce, groups and workshops, and Camp Therapyology.
SCHEDULE A 15 MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
Not ready to schedule an appointment? Let’s make sure we’re the right fit for your therapy needs. Just give us your name, email, and phone number so we can schedule a time to chat on your schedule.
