CONTACT@BAMBOONUTRITIONRD.COM | (573) 343-4017

Columbia, MO | Rochester, MN

Trauma

Therapy Services

 
 
 

What is trauma?

Many people have experienced traumatic events and are not fully aware that they have been through a trauma. Trauma can be a single event that we go through, or it can be chronic.

Examples of trauma include, but are not limited to:

  • Sexual assault + Abuse

  • Intimate partner violence / Domestic violence

  • Childhood abuse and/or neglect

  • Natural disasters

  • Financial uncertainty

  • Food insecurity

  • Homelessness

  • Community Violence

  • Medical/Health-related trauma

  • Traumatic grief

symptoms of trauma

Sometimes, we experience trauma and come out on the other side without being “traumatized.” However, oftentimes while experience a trauma or directly following the trauma, we do not have the opportunity to process with safe people. As a result, we may internalize negative beliefs, images, emotions and physical sensations about ourselves and the trauma itself.

Psychological + Emotional Symptoms

  • Anxiety, fear, and panic attacks

  • Depression and feelings of hopelessness

  • Shock, denial, or disbelief

  • Confusion, difficulty concentrating

  • Mood swings, anger, and irritability

  • Shame, guilt, and self-blame

  • Hypervigilance, or a feeling of always being on edge

  • Hyperarousal,”fight or flight”, example: being easily startled

  • Hypoarousal: being detached, numbed out

  • Feelings of numbness or dissociation

  • Social isolation and relational issues

Physical Symptoms

  • Difficulty sleeping or nightmares

  • Feeling overly tired or easily fatigued

  • Heightened startle response

  • Difficulty concentrating on normal tasks

  • Racing heartbeat or heart palpitations

  • Bodily aches and pains

  • Muscle tension

Our interpretation of the event(s) itself is what can be problematic or go on to cause Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

How therapy can help

Healing from a traumatic event or PTSD requires safety, time and intention. We heal from our trauma by processing the event with a safe person. Additionally, we heal from our trauma by grieving the trauma itself and learning how to reintegrate this part of our story into our lives.

Our psychologist is trauma-informed, meaning first we work to establish a sense of safety and trust before diving into one’s trauma history. The first step is to develop a strong collaborative and supportive relationship where compassion and respect are the foundation.

Healing is more likely to happen when a person is allowed to experience safety and care in the hands of an expert who understands how to listen and validate their feelings. Although all therapists have these basic skills, a trauma-informed therapist is typically going to have advanced training in treating trauma.

Ready to take the next step?

Therapy for the treatment of a trauma or PTSD is typically conducted one time per week, sometimes more often and sometimes less often, and in 55min sessions.

Please reach out to us if you are ready to schedule an appointment. We will let you know when our first available appointment is and provide you with other resources to build a comprehensive team, if needed, as well.