Trauma, PTSD and Complex PTSD

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Trauma responses are different for every person, but below is a checklist of some of the symptoms of trauma:

Flashbacks, or reliving the traumatic event
Trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event
Feeling emotionally numb
Avoiding activities you once enjoyed
Hopelessness about the future
Memory problems
Irritability or anger
Overwhelming guilt or shame
Self-destructive behavior, such as drinking too much
Trouble sleeping

Complex PTSD

Besides these troubling problems mentioned above, if trauma occurs in the context of an important relationship, or occurs chronically throughout childhood, recovery typically includes a deeper reworking of relationships, expectations, and self-image. Challenges to one’s beliefs that the world is safe or just may also be created by trauma.

If you have experienced a traumatic and/or distressing event and are experiencing some or all of the symptoms listed above, we, at Integrus, can help.

How Therapy Helps

At Integrus, a variety of approaches to healing is available to help you in the aftermath of trauma. Your care will be coordinated carefully with your therapist, and tailored to your particular experiences and needs.

EMDR

is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been widely researched and shown to be helpful. It accesses the healing capacity of one’s own mind to decrease anxiety, resolve complicated grief, address phobias, and integrate trauma.

IRRT

is a short-term integrative treatment approach for recurring trauma memories including childhood trauma. It addresses maladaptive schemas such as helplessness, shame, and defectiveness using imagery and verbal interventions.

Integrated Approach

includes reworking of negative beliefs, resolving overwhelming feelings, and learning new ways of relating to self, others, and life. Expressive therapies and expanded self-awareness in the context of a safe, facilitative relationship are the foundation of this approach. Methods from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy are incorporated into therapy, as well.