Trauma & PTSD
Understanding Trauma & PTSD
Trauma is not defined by one specific event—it’s defined by how your mind and body respond to overwhelming experiences. Whether it stemmed from a single moment or a series of painful events, trauma can leave lasting impacts on how you feel, think, and function. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) may follow acute trauma, but many people experience complex or chronic trauma that builds over time.
You may feel constantly on edge, emotionally numb, or stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand. Memories might come flooding in when you least expect them, or your body might respond to stress with panic, shutdown, or irritability. These reactions are not personal failures—they are survival responses. And they can be worked with, not feared.
How This Might Show Up in Your Life
Trauma and PTSD affect more than memory—they can disrupt daily life in a range of emotional and physical ways:
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
Trouble sleeping or feeling safe in your own body
Avoiding reminders of people, places, or experiences
Feeling numb, detached, or disconnected from others
Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships
Intense emotional swings or shutdown responses
Shame, guilt, or confusion about your reactions
These symptoms often co-occur with anxiety, depression, or substance use—especially when trauma hasn’t been fully processed or supported.
How Anna Helps
I bring a trauma-informed lens to every session, offering thoughtful, individualized care for adults recovering from both recent and long-standing trauma. My approach is collaborative, paced with sensitivity, and integrates talk therapy, mindfulness, and medication management when needed. Whether you’re managing PTSD, complex trauma, or trauma related to addiction or loss, I work with you to create a treatment plan that respects your nervous system and personal goals.
Using techniques informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients understand how trauma impacts the brain and body—and how to gradually re-establish a sense of safety and control. When symptoms are intense or interfere with daily life, I may also recommend medication to help reduce hyperarousal, stabilize mood, or improve sleep. Above all, I offer a calm, steady presence as you begin the work of healing
What You Can Work On Between Sessions
Recovering from trauma takes time, and no two healing journeys look the same. Between sessions, here are a few gentle practices that may help you stay grounded:
- Name what’s happening: When distress arises, try to label the emotion or sensation—this helps shift your brain from reactivity to awareness.
- Use grounding techniques: Identify sights, sounds, or textures around you to bring attention to the present moment when feeling triggered.
- Create a safety routine: Whether it’s a bedtime ritual or a morning walk, small routines help signal predictability and calm to the nervous system.
- Limit overwhelm: Trauma recovery can stir up a lot—give yourself permission to say no, take breaks, or focus on one thing at a time.
- Track what helps: Keep a list or log of what soothes you—whether it’s music, movement, or certain people—and return to it when needed.
These tools won’t erase trauma—but they can support stability and emotional regulation while you build trust in the healing process.
