Trauma Counseling in Shelton, CT
Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self, and affects their ability to feel a full range of emotions and experiences. It's important to recognize that trauma can result from a wide range of events and experiences.
Symptoms of Trauma
Emotional & Psychological: Shock, denial, or disbelief; anxiety and fear; guilt, shame, self-blame; sadness or hopelessness; feeling disconnected or numb.
Physical: Fatigue, being easily startled, difficulty concentrating, racing heartbeat, edginess and agitation, muscle tension.
Impact of Trauma
Trauma can have long-term effects on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can interfere with relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Trauma can lead to conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
healing from trauma
Acute Trauma: Results from a single incident.
Chronic Trauma: Repeated and prolonged events such as domestic violence or abuse.
Complex Trauma: Exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.
Common Sources of Trauma
Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, etc.
Accidents: Car accidents, workplace injuries, etc.
Interpersonal Violence: Domestic abuse, sexual assault, bullying, etc.
War and Conflict: Military combat, terrorism, displacement, etc.
Sudden Loss: Death of a loved one, sudden job loss, etc.
Types of Trauma
Trauma Therapy in Shelton, CT
Treatment of Trauma with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically designed to help individuals recover from trauma. It focuses on challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, known as "stuck points." Through structured sessions, clients learn to process and reframe their traumatic experiences, reducing symptoms of PTSD and improving overall functioning. CPT helps clients develop healthier thinking patterns, enhancing their ability to cope with and move forward from their trauma.
Key elements of CPT include:
Identifying and challenging stuck points
Understanding the impact of trauma on thoughts and beliefs
Developing skills to modify unhelpful thinking patterns
Completing practice assignments to reinforce new skills
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is an evidence-based, brief treatment that uses a combination of relaxation and visualization techniques to help individuals address and resolve traumatic memories. ART involves a series of eye movements while clients recall distressing experiences in a safe and controlled environment. This process helps to reframe and reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories, often leading to significant relief from symptoms in a relatively short period.
Key elements of ART include:
Guided imagery and visualization techniques
Eye movement desensitization
Rapid resolution of traumatic memories
Reduction of emotional and physiological distress
Both CPT and ART offer effective pathways to healing for those suffering from the effects of trauma. These therapies empower individuals to reclaim their lives, fostering resilience and well-being.