Traumatic Experiences

“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.” -Francine Shapiro

Everyone has a different relationship with adversity and resilience.  When experiencing a traumatic event, it is defined as a deeply distressing and disturbing experience.

According SAMSHA, about 61% of men and 51% of women report having experienced a traumatic experience.  Therefore, it’s common to experience a form of adversity during a lifetime.

Forms of traumatic experiences include physical, sexual, verbal and emotional abuse, neglect, tragedies and disasters.  These adverse life experiences are not permanent, but they can feel like they are when we experience them.

It’s common to see changes in mood and behavior after experiencing a traumatic event.  Common symptoms may include having nightmares, remembering or avoiding disturbing memories, feeling on the edge and having negative views of ourselves and the world.

There is hope and we can help.

Mental health counseling provides you with support, guidance and safe place to process, at your pace, experiences that manifest themselves in the present as triggers and flashbacks.

Counseling of El Paso has providers who are trained in trauma treatment modalities such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) and in experience providing Trauma Informed Care.

There are various tools and techniques to reduce the intensity of present triggers and support internal resources you have within.

However, the most important ingredient is having a humane and compassionate understanding of another human being.  We heal in the presence of others.  A mental health counselor can help.

Know that you are not alone. 

We understand and are familiar with how trauma occurs and develops.  There is relief and you don’t have to do this alone.  

Counseling can help. 

Please call for more information.

Reference

Trauma. (n.d.). Retrieved May 22, 2020, from https://www.integration.samhsa.gov/clinical-practice/trauma