Trauma and PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a response to experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can leave lasting emotional and physical effects, making it difficult to feel safe, trust others, or engage fully in life. PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it is a natural response to overwhelming experiences.
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Examples of events that can lead to PTSD include:
Combat and Violence
- Military combat or exposure to war
- Physical assault or domestic violence
- Sexual assault or abuse
Accidents and Medical Trauma
- Serious car accidents or other life-threatening accidents
- Medical trauma, such as a difficult surgery or life-threatening illness
- Birth trauma, including complicated labor or emergency procedures
Natural Disasters and Crisis Events
- Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires
- Pandemics or other public health crises
- Terrorist attacks or mass violence
Childhood and Developmental Trauma
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in childhood
- Neglect or abandonment
- Growing up in a home with domestic violence, substance abuse, or extreme instability
Sudden or Traumatic Loss
- The unexpected death of a loved one
- Witnessing a violent or fatal incident
- Suicide of a loved one
Work-Related Trauma
- First responders (police, firefighters, paramedics) witnessing or experiencing traumatic events
- Healthcare professionals exposed to high levels of suffering and death
- High-stress careers with exposure to crisis situations
Symptoms of PTSD May Include:
- Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the trauma
- Avoidance of reminders of the event
- Heightened anxiety, irritability, or emotional numbness
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling disconnected from others or experiencing overwhelming guilt or shame
How Therapy Can Help
If you are struggling with PTSD, know that healing is possible. Therapy provides a safe space to process trauma, regain a sense of control, and develop tools to manage symptoms. Treatment approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, and mindfulness-based techniques can help reframe distressing memories and build resilience.
If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from PTSD and would like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me. I have personally seen amazing transformation through therapy and want to offer the help you need to enjoy life again.