Trauma and Loss

Difficult events happen in people’s lives. They can be dramatic striking events, an isolated incident or a succession of incidents, or a more subtle yet equally eroding experience. You may have experienced a recent or past loss of a loved one, a physical limitation or disability, or have lost a job. Or you may be suffering from childhood abuse, neglect or trauma. Our therapists will work with you to create a safe environment that supports healing; help you process and integrate your feelings, provide emotional support, and help you manage collateral symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Understanding Trauma

Depending on the duration and type of event that led to a person experiencing trauma symptoms, one could find themselves undergoing the effects of either acute, chronic or complex trauma. Acute trauma is categorized as a singular event, such as an accident or natural disaster that leads to trauma symptoms. Chronic trauma involves repeated and prolonged stressors, such as domestic abuse or violence. Complex trauma describes exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature, and the wide ranging, long term effects of this exposure.

Is What I’m Experiencing Trauma?

Though there are different types of trauma – “Big T” trauma is often understood as a significant event, such as a car accident or house fire, and “Little T” trauma can be seen as perhaps the loss of a pet or ending of a relationship-- trauma is often subjective to each person and how they experience the event. There are, however, some symptoms that are common to all forms of trauma and may include any of the following.

Physical Symptoms of Trauma
Racing heartbeat
Restlessness
Feeling on edge
Decreased concentration
Exaggerated startle response
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Sweating Muscle tension

Emotional Symptoms of Trauma
Feelings of hopelessness
Feeling disconnected or dissociated
Hypervigilance
Feeling numb
Low self-esteem or increased self-blame
Instable moods
Increased anxiety and fear
Feelings of shock or denial
Withdrawing from friends and loved ones

What is Trauma Informed Care?

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) takes into account the psychological, emotional and physical toll that trauma has on a person and is defined by practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment and healing. The core principles of Trauma Informed Care are safety, trustworthiness and transparency, collaboration, humility and responsiveness, and empowerment. The aim is to recognize the symptoms of trauma and work together with the client to create a safe and therapeutic environment to begin to address the needs that can ameliorate the trauma response.

Grief Counseling

If you have suffered a recent loss of a loved one, job, pet, financial security, or any major disappointment, you may be experiencing feelings of sadness, anger, disappointment or hopelessness. Though these feelings are to be expected, when they persist, grief counseling can be a supportive measure during this difficult period.

Grief or bereavement counseling aims to help people cope with the physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive responses to loss. Our therapists are trained to support you in grieving in a healthy manner, enacting more adaptive coping skills, understanding the emotions you may be experiencing, and ultimately help you to move forward in a productive way.