Trauma Counseling

Counseling for Trauma Issues

Some events in life change things forever. Between 50% and 75% of people report experiencing at least one lifetime traumatic event. Traumas can be:

• Experienced first-hand
• Witnessed
• Learned about
• Part of my job

At Star Meadow Counseling, we can help you find hope and healing for the following trauma-related conditions:

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):  Many people are strongly affected by traumatic life events. Common causal events may include combat, sexual assault, automobile accidents, and natural disasters. First responders (police, EMTs, nurses, doctors, firefighters) are also at increased risk for PTSD. To qualify for the diagnoses, symptoms must persist for more than 1 month. Symptoms may include:

• Disturbing nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts about the trauma
• Avoidance (including thoughts, feelings, conversations, memories, people, places, or things associated with the trauma)
• Negative thoughts (for example, self-blaming) or moods (anger, guilt, shame, or fear)
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Exaggerated startle response

Acute Stress Disorder: Acute stress disorder shares the same symptoms of PTSD, except it occurs only from 3 days to 1 month after being exposed to the traumatic event.

Adjustment Disorder:  An adjustment disorder occurs when a specific life event (or series of events) causes above normal levels of stress or sadness. There is an endless list of possible stressors, including a sudden loss, disability, business problems, retirement, marriage, having children, financial hardship, and so on.

Whether you have experienced one traumatic event or several, our therapists are equipped to help. Schedule an appointment online, call our office at 360-952-3070, or email us your questions at [email protected].