PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and trauma involve the lasting impact of deeply distressing or terrifying events. PTSD can develop after exposure to a traumatic event beyond typical stress – for example, violent assault, a severe accident, natural disaster, combat, or abuse. Trauma itself is a strong emotional response to those events and can lead to both physical and psychological symptoms.
Common PTSD symptoms include flashbacks or intrusive memories of the event, distressing nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional numbness. Survivors may feel hyper-vigilant (always on guard), have trouble sleeping or concentrating, and struggle with trust.
Typical Triggers
- Personal or family violence (e.g., assault, domestic violence)
- Military combat
- Serious accidents or disasters
- Witnessing death or injury
- Childhood abuse
- Sexual assault.
PTSD Symptoms
- Recurrent, distressing memories or flashbacks of the trauma
- Nightmares
- Intense distress when reminded of the event
- Avoidance of people/places that trigger memories
- Hypervigilance
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Feeling detached or numb.
Emotional Impact
Individuals often relive the trauma in vivid ways and may avoid anything that reminds them of it. For example, a veteran might react strongly to loud noises resembling gunfire. A survivor of assault might become fearful in crowds or have panic attacks.
Trauma affects not just individuals but families as well. PTSD “becomes a family issue” when loved ones take on the burden of symptoms. Family members often feel helpless or stressed; children may sense tension or anger at home, and spouses may struggle to communicate. For instance, a parent with combat-related PTSD might become emotionally withdrawn from their children, who then experience confusion and fear. Therapy provides a safe space to process traumatic memories and learn coping skills. Trauma-focused treatments (like EMDR or cognitive processing therapy) aim to gently integrate the traumatic experience so survivors can regain control and hope.
Modalities that can help with PTSD and Trauma
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Existential Therapy
Play Therapy (for children, typically)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
