Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma.
If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today for a free consultation.
Trauma Presentations by Dr. Mary D. Laney.
The Effects of Trauma on the Ego and Its Functions: Theory and Assessment in Personal Injury Litigation. Presentation at 14th Symposium, American College of Forensic Psychology. San Francisco CA, April 30-May 3, 1998.
Manifestations of Trauma in Parents: Personality Variables, Coping, and Containment. Third Annual Ari Ladner Lecture Series. Memorial Medical Center, Savannah, GA, June 5, 1998.
Multiple Personality Disorder: Resilience and Creativity in the Preservation of the Self. Presentation at the Creativity and Madness: Self Psychology and Psychotherapy. Santa Fe, NM, August 4, 1993.
Dissociation as a Psychological Response to Trauma: Theory and Treatment Strategies. Presentation to the Resource Center for Women and Their Families. Somerville, NJ, April 5, 1991.
The Self in Crisis: Surviving Rape. Theory of Acute Crisis Therapy. Countertransference in the Treatment of Sexual Trauma. Training workshops provided to staff of the Rape Crisis Center, Roosevelt Hospital, Edison, NJ, June 16, 30, July 14, 1989.