Trauma Resolution

Traumatic experiences are all too common throughout life. Trauma can be defined as any life event in which someone’s life or well-being is threatened or harmed. Traumatic grief may result from the loss of a loved one. Medical difficulties can also be traumatic.

As a result of exposure to trauma, an individual may develop anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, behavior changes, anger problems, difficulties concentrating, overwhelming feelings of fear and helplessness. Children are especially vulnerable and may develop problems which interfere with their healthy development.

Some individuals may develop an Adjustment Disorder or more prolonged Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of having experienced trauma. Symptoms may include any of the following: intrusive thoughts of the trauma, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, withdrawal, hypervigilance, startle responses, over-reactivity to reminders, physical reactions and a decrease in activities of daily living. A professional assessment will be able to help identify problems and create a treatment plan to resolve difficulties and prevent additional problems from developing.

Family Psychology Associates offers treatment for problems related to trauma. For more information, please visit our Contact Us page. Our trauma specialists are Christine Bergman, LMHC and Millie Williams, LCSW. They have pursued extensive post-graduate continuing education in the identification and treatment of trauma throughout the lifespan. To schedule a consultation, visit our Contact Us.

Treatment may include:

• Assessment for PTSD
• Psycho-education about trauma and management of symptoms
• Stabilization of emotions and daily functioning
• Calming Skills / Grounding / Stress Management
• Building Resources – gaining confidence, trust, feeling in control
• Re-processing of traumatic memories
• Resolving trauma –  helping the person be able to understand the experience without the flood of negative emotions and symptoms