Sometimes life can be difficult. Bad things can happen to anyone. When unwanted events occur, they can impact our hearts and minds. This is known as trauma.
Trauma is not a single victim. It can come in many shapes and sizes.
The good news is that trauma therapy can help with many different types of trauma.
At Gracious Minds Counseling and Supervision, we assist all ages in healing trauma within a supportive environment. Our therapists share emotional awareness, coping skills and healing assistance.
Let’s explore the different types of trauma that can be addressed through trauma therapy.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is what happens when we go through something very scary, painful, or upsetting.
It can make us feel:
- Unsafe
- Powerless (like we have no control)
- Overwhelmed (like things are just too much)
Trauma can change how we:
- Feel
- Sleep
- Get along with others
- Get through our daily lives
These feelings can be immediate sometimes. In other situations, it could be months or even years. But no matter when they show up, help is available.
Types of Trauma That Can Be Addressed with Trauma Therapy
- One Big Event (Acute Trauma)
Sometimes a single bad thing happens. Just one time.
This could be:
- A car accident
- A bad fall
- A hurricane or flood
- Being attacked or hurt
These things happen all of a sudden. They can leave us feeling shocked and scared. We might keep thinking about what happened over and over again.
Therapy can help people who have been through one big event. A therapist can assist you in understanding what has occurred and how it has impacted you. If you aren’t ready, you don’t need to discuss all the details. The therapist will go at your pace.
- Many Hard Things Over Time (Chronic Trauma)
Sometimes bad things keep happening again and again.
This could be:
- Getting bullied at school every day
- Living in a home where there is a lot of fighting
- Living in a place where there is war or violence
When repeated trauma occurs, it can wear a person down. This can make them think that they are in constant danger of being in trouble.
Therapy can help many people who have faced difficult experiences. The therapist will teach you to feel safe and calm even when it is difficult.
- Deep Wounds from Long Ago (Complex Trauma)
Some trauma happens when someone goes through bad things for a long time, often when they were little.
This can include:
- Being hurt by someone who was supposed to take care of you
- Not getting enough food, love, or care
- Being told mean things that make you feel bad about yourself
- Growing up with a grown-up who was not safe
Complex trauma can impact self-image. It can make it hard to trust people. Many people who have this kind of trauma feel ashamed or scared.
A unique type of therapy exists, and it can help: EMDR. Supports the brain in digesting painful memories and making them less large and frightening.
At Gracious Minds Counseling and Supervision, we offer EMDR therapy for kids, teens and adults.
- Wounds That Started When You Were Little (Developmental Trauma)
Developmental trauma occurs when children experience adversity during periods of brain development.
This can include:
- Being yelled at or called mean names
- Not getting enough love and attention
- Living in a home that is not stable or safe
Trauma in childhood influences brain growth, emotional handling and trust issues. Healing is always possible!
Therapy can connect past difficulties to present understanding.
- When Someone Else’s Pain Affects You (Vicarious Trauma)
Sometimes people get hurt just by seeing or hearing about other people’s trauma.
This often happens to:
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Doctors and nurses
- Therapists
- Anyone who helps people who have been hurt
Hearing about negative events frequently can be emotionally draining. Those with vicarious trauma may feel sadness or worry and face sleep issues. Helpers also require assistance, providing a secure space for them to talk about their experiences and maintain their ability to support others.
Other Hard Things Therapy Can Help With
Trauma therapy is not just for big events. It can also help with:
Grief and Loss
When a loved one passes away, it is very difficult. It can make you feel like something is missing. Treatment can assist you with your sadness.
Medical Trauma
Serious illnesses and scary doctor visits can be traumatic, yet therapy can aid in processing them.
Anxiety and Panic
Trauma can leave your body in a constant state of heightened awareness. You may feel worried all the time or have panic attacks. You can soothe your body by undergoing therapy.
Depression
People may feel sad or numb after trauma. Therapy can help restore hope.
Relationship Challenges
It can be challenging to trust others after trauma. It can affect how you get along with others. Therapy can assist you in developing healthy friendships and family connections.
How Trauma Therapy Supports Healing
Trauma therapy helps individuals explore trauma and develop skills to regulate emotions for healing.
Gracious Minds Counseling and Supervision therapists work with evidence-based approaches such as:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
These strategies help individuals understand how thoughts influence feelings and actions. Therapy teaches coping skills for fear, stress and difficult memories. We offer face-to-face and online counseling, focusing on client needs and cultural sensitivity.
The healing process is not timed. Our therapists are with you at your level and will support you at your speed.
Take the First Step
No one should have to face hard things alone. Therapy can offer guidance and support in overcoming any kind of trauma.
Don’t wait to seek help if you are or someone you care for is suffering trauma. You should be feeling better. You deserve to be healed.
Gracious Minds Counseling and Supervision can assist you on your path to feeling better.
We serve Sugar Land, Greater Houston and the entire states of Texas and Louisiana. We offer therapy for children, teens and adults. We welcome people from all backgrounds.
You can start by asking questions. Contact us; we will be happy to talk with you and help you find the right support.
FAQs
Do I need to have PTSD to go to therapy?
No. Therapy can help anyone who is struggling with painful experiences, even if they do not have PTSD.
How long does therapy take?
It depends on the person. Some people feel better in a few months. Others need more time. Your therapist will work with you to find what works best for you.