Trauma  

“Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated the silent screams continue internally heard only by the one held captive. When someone enters the pain and hears the screams healing can begin.”

― Danielle Bernock

Trauma is unfortunately a very common human experience.  Many people are survivors of violence, abuse, or loss, yet many of us feel alone in our pain.  

Trauma is defined by events or circumstances that occur that are perceived as life-threatening or harmful and affect a person’s ability to function.  

Some common symptoms of trauma disorders include:

  • Recurrent distressing memories of the event(s)

  • Flashbacks where it feels as if the traumatic event is re-occurring

  • Distress when exposed to stimuli that reminds the individual of the event(s)

  • Avoidance of distressing memories

  • Mood changes (i.e. irritability)

  • Diminished interest in activities

  • Sleep disturbance

  • Self-destructive behavior

How Can Variations Psychology Help?

Many individuals search for a therapist, booking an appointment with the first 5-star-rated counselor they can find. The problem with diving right into therapy is that you run the risk of spending tons of time and money with a therapist whose expertise doesn’t fit your actual needs.

That’s where Variations comes in

Whether your family is struggling with learning differences or conditions that impact your mental health, our Doctors conduct psychological testing to remove the guess-work and provide you with a clear diagnosis. Beginning with a diagnosis allows our team to guide you on the most effective path toward overcoming challenges and achieving your life’s potential.

Click below to schedule your consultation today to learn how we can help

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental

disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

Monson, E., Caron, J., McCloskey, K., Brunet, A. (2017). Longitudinal analysis of quality of life across the trauma spectrum. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 9(5), 605-612.

Park, C. L., Currier, J.M. Harris, J. I., & Slattery, J. M. (2017). Current treatment approaches to trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Trauma, Meaning, and Spirituality: Translating Research into Clinical Practice, 55-73. 

Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2017). Emotional and psychological trauma. HelpGuide.org. 

Spence, M., Rose, D., & Tucker, J. A. (2014). Some Wounds Don't Bleed: An Examination of Unresolved Trauma in Vietnam Veterans and Its Ethical Implications Through the Lens of One Man's Story and Beyond. Ethical Human Psychology and Psychiatry, 16(3), 140-157.

Trauma and Violence. (2017). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.