When you’ve experienced trauma, you may find yourself struggling to cope with the after-effects. Or, you might think back on childhood trauma and realize it has impacted your adult life in ways you never thought possible. If this sounds like you, it may be time to consider trauma therapy.
Trauma is the overwhelming sense of panic that overrides the nervous system and causes the body to go into survival mode. Or, otherwise known as fight, flight, fawn, or freeze. This response is a natural reaction to danger, but when it continues long after the traumatic event has ended, it can lead to long-term physical and emotional distress. But you’ve coped for so long, how do you know when it’s time to seek professional help?
You’re Struggling Emotionally, Physically, and Mentally
Unresolved trauma can manifest itself in a variety of ways. You may experience flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic event. Alternatively, you might feel constantly on edge and struggle with high levels of anxiety. Often, unresolved trauma shows up as depression, an inability to form or keep relationships, and can lead to you having trouble trusting others. Additionally, it can show up as physical symptoms. You can experience insomnia due to anxiety and flashbacks, chronic pain from constantly tensing your muscles, or even stomach issues from the constant state of stress. If you notice any of these symptoms persisting for an extended period of time, it may be a sign that trauma therapy could benefit you.
You may be thinking, “Why does my trauma still affect me?” and the reason is that your body and mind have been holding onto the trauma. It’s causing your body to react in different ways in order to deal with the emotional pain. Through trauma therapy, you can learn healthy coping mechanisms and release the trauma that is still holding onto your body.
How Trauma Influences Behavior
Trauma can profoundly influence behavior, leading to avoidance, irritability, or even self-destructive tendencies. These behaviors are often coping mechanisms that you or other individuals have unconsciously adopted in an attempt to manage your overwhelming feelings and memories. Avoidance strategies, for example, might include steering clear of people, places, or activities that could trigger memories of the trauma. This can drastically limit one’s ability to engage with life fully and may result in feelings of isolation.
Irritability
Feeling irritable is another common response you might experience due to the constant stress and anxiety from surviving trauma. For instance, you may find yourself snapping at loved ones, struggling to manage your emotions, or feeling like you’re constantly on edge. This heightened state of alertness can make it hard for you to relax, leading you to become impatient and quickly angered, even in situations that might not warrant such reactions. Understanding this as a symptom of your trauma can help you realize that, maybe, you need some extra support to work through your experiences.
Self-Destructive Tendencies
In an attempt to numb the pain from trauma, you, or others, may turn to self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm. Often, the thought behind these behaviors is that it will either numb you from the pain or give you a sense of control over your emotions. These behaviors may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, can cause more harm and make it harder to heal from the trauma. For example, if you rely on porn or sex to help you cope with the effects of trauma, it can lead to unhealthy relationships, affect your self-esteem, and can lead to a sex and porn addiction. These actions signal a deep need for help and healing.
Each of these behaviors is a sign that the trauma is still very much present and impacting your life. Recognizing these patterns can signal that it’s time to consider seeking trauma therapy. Seeking trauma therapy in Fort Worth, TX can help you learn healthy coping mechanisms, process your trauma in a safe and supportive environment, and ultimately heal from the traumatic events.
Your Trauma Is Interfering With Daily Life
Another sign that you may need trauma therapy is if your trauma is impacting your ability to function in daily life. When your trauma or the symptoms it causes, like sleep disturbances or panic attacks, are impacting your work, relationships, or day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek help. Trauma can significantly disrupt daily routines and responsibilities. This can lead to job loss, conflict in relationships, and difficulty managing basic tasks. When your everyday routine or aspects of your life you’ve enjoyed are no longer possible, it’s time to seek professional support.
Maybe you feel stuck, unable to move forward because of unresolved trauma. You’ve been trying to cope with your trauma on your own and feel like you’re not making progress. This and the fact your daily life is significantly impacted are signs that you might need help from a Fort Worth trauma therapist. You’ve done your best to cope but with a trauma therapist, you can work together to develop a plan that supports your healing journey. A trauma therapist can help you create practical solutions for managing the symptoms of PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, so they no longer interfere with daily life.
What is Trauma Therapy? What Do You Do in It?
You’ve been coping with your trauma on your own. This may be due to a misconception of what therapy is like or the fear of facing your trauma and emotions. Or, you’re afraid of the stigma attached to going to therapy. But trauma therapy in Fort Worth, TX focuses on you and your Big T or Little T trauma that you’ve been through in your life. Your therapist will understand that due to your unresolved trauma, you can’t maintain a regular life due to the chronic effects of that trauma.
Your trauma therapist will provide a safe and supportive environment for you to process your experiences. They will help you identify triggers, develop healthy coping strategies, and work through the emotions that still may be holding onto you. Trauma therapy can take different forms, including talk therapy or somatic approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Somatic Therapy, ART, or IFS. These approaches allow for the safe release of trauma from your body and mind, giving you a sense of relief and control over your experiences. Your trauma therapist’s role is solely to support you in alleviating the triggers and the out-of-control feelings that often come with trauma.
You Deserve Healing and Recovery
It’s common to feel hesitant or even scared about starting trauma therapy. It takes courage to face the past, but it also holds the promise of a better future. One where you’re no longer held captive by your trauma. You deserve to heal and recover from your trauma, and seeking out professional support can help you achieve that. All of these signs are indications that it’s time to consider seeking trauma therapy in Fort Worth.
Remember, trauma triggers are normal for people who have gone through traumatic events. When you see the signs that your trauma is still impacting you, it’s time to seek professional support. An expert Fort Worth therapist can empower you to take back control of your life and heal from the effects of trauma. They will also support you with established and proven treatments to address your trauma symptoms so that you can live a full and unburdened life.
It’s Time to Seek Support From Trauma Therapy in Fort Worth, TX
Recognizing that you may need trauma therapy in Fort Worth, TX can be a difficult step. But realizing that you need support to heal from your trauma is an act of self-care and self-compassion. You don’t have to suffer alone. Seeking help from a Fort Worth therapist who specializes in trauma can provide you with the tools, support, and guidance needed to overcome the impact of trauma on your life and begin the healing process. At Anew Counseling DFW, we specialize in trauma therapy and provide a safe and compassionate space for you to process your experiences and find healing. Our team of trained professionals is dedicated to helping individuals overcome the effects of trauma and live fulfilling, healthy lives. Whether the trauma has evolved to sex and porn addiction, substance abuse, or impacts daily life, our specialized therapists in Fort Worth, TX are here to support you. Take the first step today:
- Fill out our intake form and schedule your free 15-minute consultation.
- Learn More About Us and Our Services.
- Recognize the signs and seek support from a therapist in Texas!
Other Therapy Services Offered by Anew Counseling DFW
You’ve been coping with your trauma for so long that other aspects of your life, like relationships or work, may also be impacted. At Anew Counseling DFW, we offer a range of therapy services to support you in all areas of your life. At our Fort Worth, TX-based therapy practice we offer Sex Addiction Recovery, Anxiety Therapy, Depression Therapy, and Couples Therapy. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing trauma-informed care and helping you achieve positive and lasting change in your life. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing from your trauma.
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