PTSD & Trauma Therapy in Tampa
People who went through a traumatic experience or series of traumatic events may have the tendency to suppress their negative thoughts and emotions to themselves. Others will resort to drastic coping mechanisms like aggression, poor boundaries, cycling into another abusive relationship.
Hopeful Heart Counseling Can Help Give You a Support System to Overcome Traumatic Experiences
Experiencing trauma can make people feel powerless. While that’s a valid feeling, especially given what you’ve been through, you do have the ability to heal. Trauma therapy in Tampa can empower you to rewrite the narrative and learn how to move forward in a meaningful, intentional way.
When we experience trauma (in all its forms), especially childhood trauma, we might not even be aware of all the ways that it impacts our everyday life. While each person’s experience is different, there are often significant ripple effects from even just one traumatic event, let alone chronic exposure to trauma.
Know that you may be experiencing the effects of trauma even though you might not have had one “big” traumatic event. Trauma is person-specific, not event-specific. Trauma just means that your nervous system is overwhelmed from ANY distressing event, and as a result, your brain is struggling to process it.
Trauma therapy in Tampa can help you identify the ways in which trauma impacts you in the here and now, without having to dig up old memories or traumatic events. From here, we can identify a path toward healing.
If you’re curious to learn more about how therapy can help, or if you’re ready to start the process, I encourage you to reach out. I offer free consultations so I can answer any of your questions, and so we can get a sense of whether we might be a good fit for each other.
What is trauma?
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is an emotional reaction to an extremely stressful event. People often experience shock directly after the event occurs, and some people may not even register that they have experienced trauma until much later.
It’s important to recognize that trauma is different for each individual. What registers as trauma with one person may not affect someone else in the same way. Each person’s experience is valid.
How do I know if I’ve experienced a traumatic event?
Different types of events may be traumatic for different people. With that being said, there are common experiences that typically register as trauma for most individuals. The adverse childhood experience (ACE) study identifies several experiences that are potentially traumatizing, including:
Experiencing or witnessing verbal or physical abuse
Experiencing sexual assault
Having a parent or caregiver with a mental health problems or substance abuse issues
Housing instability
Death of a parent or caregiver
These are just a few examples of potentially traumatizing experiences. Some people may experience a singular traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or car accident, whereas other people may experience chronic trauma, such as having an abusive parent who repeatedly belittled them.
How do I know if I have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?
Not everyone who experiences trauma will have post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of the factors that make a person vulnerable to developing PTSD symptoms are unknown, though studies suggest genetics, personality differences, and prior mental health concerns may be a few contributing factors.
Trauma therapists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to diagnose a mental health condition like PTSD. While only a mental health professional can diagnose you with posttraumatic stress disorder, it’s important to be aware of the signs.
Here are some PTSD symptoms to look out for:
Nightmares
Flashbacks
Avoiding people or situations that remind you of the traumatic event(s)
Being easily startled
Physical symptoms, such as sleep problems
Feeling detached from yourself or others
Trouble experiencing positive emotions
There are many more symptoms listed in the DSM that may indicate whether you have PTSD. However, whether or not you meet the criteria for post traumatic stress disorder, you experience and emotions are valid. A diagnosis can be helpful in some instances, but it doesn’t define you.
My approach to PTSD treatment in Tampa
I help people like you break free from the grip their traumatic experience has on them. Though it’s essential to acknowledge the impact of trauma, you don’t need to constantly relive it. Therapy can help you feel more in control of your thoughts, feelings, relationships, and life overall.
As a trauma therapist, I use eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to help my clients process their experience in a new, more helpful way. Both EMDR andCPT are evidence-based trauma therapies that have been proven to help people recover.
During our time together, we’ll craft a tailored treatment plan for your unique needs and goals. This means that your time in counseling is completely personalized, providing you with the specific support you need to thrive.
Trauma can take away so much from us, but it doesn’t take away your ability to heal. Trauma therapy can help you make sense of your emotions-even if you feel numb right now. Together, we can forge a path toward a more meaningful, fulfilling life.
FAQs about PTSD therapy in Tampa
If you have questions about working with a trauma therapist, I have answers. Here, I’ve addressed some of the most common questions I receive. However, if you still have lingering questions, I encourage you to reach out to me directly.
-
Yes! Studies suggest that virtual mental health treatment can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Beyond the research itself, I’ve heard and experienced the perks to online counseling firsthand. Many people prefer working with a trauma therapist online.
For example, being able to access treatment from your own home can be incredibly comforting. Being in a safe, familiar space may make it easier for you to get started with the therapy process and ultimately heal from your traumatic experience.
Virtual therapy also saves time and money. Instead of having to commute to and from a therapy office, you can simply join the session when it’s about to start. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the awkward wait in the waiting room.
All of my online counseling sessions are held via a secure platform so that your sensitive information stays confidential. Working independently from insurance companies allows for even more privacy around your symptoms, diagnosis (if applicable), and the traumatic events you have experienced.
-
All people have different experiences working with trauma therapists. However, there is a lot you can gain from PTSD treatment. Here are just a few benefits you may expect from working with a therapist.
Learn to cope with distressing memories and negative emotions
Intrusive thoughts and memories are one of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD, as are difficult feelings. Working with a PTSD therapist in Tampa can help you learn new ways to cope with these symptoms, giving you more control.
Reduce stress levels
Heightened stress is common in people who have experienced trauma. ResearchEditSign suggests that eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) can help change the way you perceive and experience stress.
Reframe your narrative
Many people who survive trauma blame themselves or have other unhelpful thought patterns that keep them feeling stuck. PTSD therapists can help you change your perspective of your experience and shift toward a more helpful narrative.
-
My rate is $150/hr. (Sliding scale spots are currently full)
Trauma therapy in Tampa can help you feel more in control
Trauma work can feel intimidating, especially if you are new to counseling. However, the fact that you have gotten this far in the process shows that you are ready to start moving forward on your path toward healing.
PTSD therapy in Tampa can help alleviate your suffering. Both EMDR and CPT are extremely effective therapies that can provide you with the emotional freedom and personal fulfillment you crave.
I provide support to people just like you: people who feel stuck, whose depression holds them back, whose angry outbursts prevent them from having the relationships they crave. Know that your trauma doesn’t have to define you any longer.
Our past traumas have a way of looming over us. With the right treatment, however, trauma and PTSD can loosen their grip. Together, we can get you unstuck from the past and empower you to create the future that you dream of.
If you feel ready to discover your value and purpose, I’m ready to be your guide.