Houston Trauma Therapy

Trauma, according to The American Psychological Association, is any disturbing experience that results in disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Trauma may be experienced directly following events, like a car accident, rape, and natural disaster or through longer-term exposure to an environment that is unpredictable or unsafe, like an abusive household, a dangerous neighborhood, or membership to a marginalized population.

Indirect trauma, also known as vicarious trauma, may be experienced, which is common in professionals working with trauma survivors, like first responders and therapists. The impact of trauma may even extend to future generations by passing-on maladaptive beliefs and behaviors.

Responses to trauma can be thought of as normal reactions to abnormal situations but may result in physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Physical symptoms may include hypervigilance, hyperarousal, gastrointestinal problems, and the development of an auto-immune disorder. Psychological symptoms may include mistrust of others, anger and irritability, shame and guilt, intrusive thoughts, dissociation, and sleep problems. Behavioral symptoms may include avoidance, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicidality.

Traumatic symptoms often get better over time, but those with more intense, longer-lasting symptoms may benefit from professional help. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, and social support. The Resilience Center of Houston is here to help and will connect you with a therapist specially trained to treat trauma. Start living today.