Traumatic events are common and, unfortunately, many  people will experience at least one in their lives. It is common for people to have difficulty recovering after witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. You may have nightmares or flashbacks, feelings of fear or sadness, self-blame, changes in sleep, or feeling like you’re often on guard or looking over your shoulder.  These feelings may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions. 

 

Fortunately, there is treatment, even if your traumatic experience was a long time ago. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  and Cognitive Processing Therapy. These approaches help you learn ways to confront and come to terms with painful memories and thoughts, so you don’t feel as distressed by them; learn tools to help you relax when you start getting too anxious or upset; and re-evaluate thoughts that may be making your memories of the event more painful so that you can have more helpful perspectives about the trauma.

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I don’t pressure you to talk about your trauma before you are ready, and prefer to spend the first few sessions teaching you tools to use to help you manage and reduce your symptoms. You will be encouraged to explore how your thoughts about the event may be making the memory of it more distressing. Many people blame themselves for what happened, or start seeing the world as a dangerous place after a traumatic event. I’ll help you deal with these thoughts and have a more helpful perspective. 

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Reach out today to start the process to get new tools and new perspectives. Use the contact form to make your first therapy appointment or to learn more. You can also call or text 202-701-3646. Whether you are ready to get started or just curious, call to learn more about how Bloom Counseling can help.

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