PTSD Counseling

 

Traumatic events can be hard on anyone, but time usually heals those wounds and self-care helps the person eventually cope and move forward. However, witnessing or experiencing something traumatic can lead to severe anxiety, flashbacks, and constantly dealing with uncontrollable emotions or thoughts that disrupt everyday life.

If you feel like you are stuck due to past or current trauma, MySpectrum provides PTSD counseling in Virginia — regardless of where you live in the state. Our compassionate, professional services are available in-person and through one of our teletherapy options, including our Tele Veteran / Tele First Responder Therapy (https://myspectrumcc.com/tele-vet-first-responder-therapy/).

Whether you are near our home office in North Chesterfield, our soon-to-open office in Springfield, or anywhere else in the state, our therapists can deliver convenient, comfortable care. 

Types of PTSD Symptoms

The four types of common PTSD symptoms are: 

  • Intrusive memories 
  • Avoidance symptoms 
  • Negative thought processes and mood changes 
  • Physical and emotional reactions 

PTSD symptoms may be categorized into one of these four types, but most people will experience a mix of types. For example, an individual may constantly deal with intrusive memories — so the person begins to avoid anything that could trigger those memories. The spectrum of PTSD symptoms is vast. 

Common PTSD Signs and Symptoms

Individuals with PTSD can face a slew of unwelcome symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, depression, hypervigilance, and even hallucinations. Many constantly relive the traumatic event in their thoughts, in nightmares, or in flashbacks. Most experience some level of employment or relationship problems due to their symptoms. In addition, many people experience physical health complications as a result of the ongoing and profound effects of PTSD. This is why at MySpectrum, we focus on wellness… for you as a whole person.

You may need trauma counseling for PTSD if you:

  • Evade talking about the event or avoid reminders
  • Have issues trusting other people 
  • Experience depression or anxiety 
  • Feel like you are always “on edge” or “on alert”
  • Have turned to drugs or alcohol to cope 
  • Find it hard to feel happy or feel anything
  • Have lost interest in things you once enjoyed 
  • Are struggling to maintain a job, housing, or other basic needs
  • Have thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Some people with PTSD also develop immense feelings of shame or guilt, or deal with negative feelings or beliefs about their trauma and how it has affected their lives.  

PTSD Risk Factors

Some factors can make you more likely to need post-trauma counseling than others, such as:

  • Being exposed to trauma for long periods 
  • Experiencing trauma as a child 
  • Having co-existing mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety 
  • Having a history of substance abuse 
  • Having close relatives with mental health conditions 
  • Having a high-risk job where traumatic event exposure is common, such as emergency personnel or military

People who do not have a good support system in their life — whether that system is made of close family members or a few trusted friends — may also be more at risk of developing PTSD. 

How PTSD Trauma Therapy Can Help 

Even though most people survive traumatic experiences and move on soon after the event, just as many people have difficulty coping. PTSD trauma counseling can be the step you take that helps you reach a point when the traumatic events of the past no longer dictate your life, at least to the degree that they are now. Through counseling, you are given the tools you need to recognize stress reactions and learn how to cope with those reactions in a more positive way. 

At MySpectrum, we create tailored therapy and coaching plans for our clients to target their needs. Post-traumatic stress disorder counseling may involve several types of therapy — including anxiety counseling, grief counseling, and individual therapy. We believe that help should never be stigmatized — it should be invigorating for the individual. 

Ready to regain control of your life? We’re here for you, waiting to give you a hand. Contact MySpectrum to find a trauma therapist who can help.