Trauma

Trauma is the emotional reaction you have to a life-altering event. Joshua Holloway, LCPC, and the professional team of experts at Open Door Wellness Center in Great Falls, Montana, provide compassionate care for people struggling with the emotional and psychological distress that occurs with trauma. Call the office nearest you or use the online booking feature to schedule a trauma consultation today.

What should I know about trauma?

Trauma is the emotional and psychological response you have to a distressing event that affects your coping abilities. Distressing events may include accidents, natural disasters, or assaults. 

However, you don’t have to face physical harm or a life-threatening situation to experience trauma. Any circumstance that makes you feel unsafe or helpless can cause trauma. 

Following a traumatic event, it’s normal to feel anxious and on edge. You may also feel guilt or shame about the experience or be emotionally disconnected. 

Why does trauma make me feel unsafe?

Trauma causes a wide range of symptoms. You may feel unsafe because the traumatic experience changes how you view yourself and the world around you.

Trauma triggers your body’s stress response, releasing your fight-or-flight hormones to protect you from danger. Your brain tries to protect you from the trauma by blocking the memory through a process called dissociation, making it hard for you to remember the details of the event.

However, your brain may release the traumatic memories in the form of flashbacks or nightmares, making it feel like you’re experiencing the trauma all over again. You may also avoid people or places that remind you of the trauma to avoid negative feelings.

Your brain’s desire to protect you may worsen your symptoms and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

With time and support, you can feel safe again. 

When should I get professional help for trauma?

You should get professional help for trauma at Open Door Wellness Center if you’re having a hard time coping. The team also recommends scheduling a consultation if your symptoms are getting worse and affecting your ability to function. 

Your provider asks detailed questions about the traumatic experience and the feelings you have about it. They also review your medical and mental health history and may have you complete psychological tests to confirm or rule out PTSD. 

What treatments can help me recover from trauma?

The team at Open Door Wellness Center customizes your trauma treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms, mental health history, and outside support systems.

Treatment may include psychotherapy, EMDR Exposure, or a combination of all these treatment modalities to help you develop the coping skills necessary to recover from the trauma.

If you have PTSD, both Exposure and EMDR therapy may help.

To seek treatment for trauma or PTSD, call Open Door Wellness Center today.