Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime, whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to war, or a natural disaster. While many individuals gradually recover with the care of family and friends, others may experience lasting effects that bring emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In these situations, the guidance of a skilled trauma therapist becomes essential for effective healing. Teresa Zuvela at Woodland Pathways Counseling provides trauma therapy in Tacoma, Washington, to support clients in processing their experiences and moving forward with strength and resilience.
Common Trauma Symptoms
Trauma can affect people in many ways, and its symptoms often disrupt daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. According to the DSM-5, the four types of symptoms include the following:
Avoidance Symptoms
Avoidance is the mind’s way of trying to protect itself from further distress. People may go to great lengths to steer clear of reminders of their trauma, even when this interferes with everyday activities.
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety and depression
- Numbness or guilt
These behaviors can make life feel restricted, leaving individuals disconnected from others or unable to engage in meaningful experiences.
Re-experiencing Symptoms
Re-experiencing often occurs suddenly and can feel as if the trauma is happening all over again. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks. This cycle of reliving the event can interfere with sleep, focus, and the ability to feel safe, leading to heightened stress.
Hyperarousal Symptoms
Hyperarousal occurs when the body remains in a constant state of alertness. This fight-or-flight response may be triggered even without an immediate threat and cause:
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Living in this heightened state can lead to exhaustion, strain on relationships, and difficulty in maintaining daily responsibilities.
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
These symptoms reflect the emotional and cognitive impact of trauma. They can alter the way a person views themselves, others, and the world:
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Over time, these shifts can create feelings of hopelessness or disconnection, making it challenging to move forward.
Trauma Therapy Techniques
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Trauma therapy offers a safe and supportive environment for processing experiences and learning new coping strategies. Some of the most common modalities include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns connected to their trauma. By challenging these beliefs and developing practical coping skills, people can reduce symptoms and build healthier responses to triggers.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a structured approach that uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Over time, these memories lose their emotional intensity, allowing individuals to move forward without being overwhelmed by the past.
These approaches empower clients to regain control, reduce distress, and start the healing process.
Supporting You on Your Healing Journey
If these symptoms feel familiar to you or someone you care about, know that support is available. Reach out to Woodland Pathways Counseling today to schedule a free consultation for trauma therapy in Tacoma, WA. Together, we can begin the journey toward healing and emotional balance.