Trauma and PTSD Therapy in NYC
What is trauma?
The causes and experiences of trauma are unique to each individual, but the most common result of trauma is a person’s inability to deal with events related to the trauma, or function in general. Trauma can affect all aspects of your life: mental, social, and physical health. Trauma can be the result of a one-time traumatic event, or a series of events over a period of time.
Some causes of trauma, include, but are not limited to:
- Natural disasters
- Sexual assault or domestic violence
- Severe illness or injury
- Death of a loved one
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Homelessness or financial hardship
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one type of mental health disorder that results from trauma. However, other mental health disorders, including anxiety or depression, may also follow trauma.
The following video demonstrates how those with PTSD can be triggered by items that remind them of the events they are traumatized by.
⚠️ Warning: this video can be upsetting to some.
What is the difference between simple and complex trauma?
To be clear, both simple and complex trauma involve events that can be extremely distressing, with neither being necessarily more traumatizing than the other. The difference between simple and complex trauma is the duration of experiencing the trauma and the specific-ness of the traumatic event.
Simple trauma is a single event or series of events which occurred during a short period of time. For example, someone who has PTSD from experiencing the deaths of friends during a war is considered to have simple trauma. They may have flashbacks of particular events, and vulnerabilities to specific triggers related to their traumatic experiences. Their trauma is clearly associated with events that occurred over a short period of time.
Complex trauma is the result of an accumulation of distress over time. For example, someone with a childhood filled with emotional and physical abuse is considered to have complex trauma. They have normalized their trauma, and may, for instance, have trouble distinguishing between abusive and healthy relationships. While those with simple trauma can readily pinpoint their source of trauma, those with complex trauma may be able to generalize their traumatic experiences to a number of experiences.
What are the symptoms of trauma?
The short-term response to a traumatic event includes psychological, emotional, and physical consequences.
Psychological and emotional symptoms:
- Anxiety, fear, and panic attacks
- Depression and feelings of hopelessness
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Mood swings, anger, and irritability
- Shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Hypervigilance, or a feeling of always being on edge
- Feelings of numbness or dissociation
- Social isolation and relational issues
Physical symptoms:
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Feeling overly tired or easily fatigued
- Heightened startle response
- Difficulty concentrating on normal tasks
- Racing heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Bodily aches and pains
- Muscle tension
In the long term, the consequences of trauma can be other mental health disorders.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
If you have PTSD you may have trouble keeping yourself from thinking over and over about what happened to you. You may try to avoid people and places that remind you of the trauma. You may feel numb. Further, you may find yourself having trouble relaxing and always on guard. You may be easily startled.
Depression
Depression is a normal result of trauma. You may feel hopeless or in despair, and you may think that things will never get better. You may feel low in energy and be overly tired. You may lose interest in activities that you used to enjoy or find fun.
Self-blame, guilt and shame
Sometimes in trying to make sense of a traumatic event, you may blame yourself. You may think you are to blame for bad things that happened, or for surviving when others didn't. You may feel guilty for what you did or did not do.
Suicidal thoughts
Trauma can lead someone who is depressed to think about self-harm and ending one’s life. They may think that life is not worth living anymore, if life only involves enduring the pain of trauma.
Substance use disorder
To cope with traumatic flashbacks or thoughts, you may resort to alcohol or other substances. Over time, you may become dependent on a substance, leading to a substance use disorder.
How do you treat trauma/PTSD?
Psychotherapy/Talk therapy
The goal of psychotherapy is to identify harmful thoughts and behaviors and develop a skillset to deal with your trauma symptoms. Through psychotherapy, you will work on the mental coping skills needed to successfully navigate day to day life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a specific form of psychotherapy that is proving to be especially helpful for trauma/PTSD. EMDR combines eye movements with talk therapy. Your eye movements stimulate parts of your brain that allow you to unlock memories and talk about them productively in your sessions.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) medications
SSRIs can be used to manage some of the symptoms of trauma/PTSD. Those with trauma/PTSD have a chemical imbalance in the brain, which can be rebalanced with medications.
Work with an NYC trauma therapist at Integrative Psych
Integrative Psych is an NYC-based private practice specializing in the treatment of trauma, PTSD, and related conditions. Many of our clients are based in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Manhattan (Chelsea, Village, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, SoHo), Connecticut, Westchester but our trauma therapists are licensed to treat anyone in the state of New York.
Integrative Psych takes a compassionate, comprehensive and holistic approach to trauma diagnosis and treatment. We will carefully explore your present life and early life, evaluating all factors that could be contributing to your trauma.
When making recommendations, treatment may involve tailored medication and likely include a blend of therapy including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), depending on what works best for you.
Decisions about what treatment or treatments to pursue are made as a team, between you and your trauma therapist. Once you have begun care with us, we will see you regularly to monitor your progress and make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you benefit fully from your treatment at Integrative Psych.
Obtain trauma therapy in NYC today, if you are ready to:
- Reduce the fear and anxiety you may feel when going into situations that trigger a trauma response
- Take the power away from traumatic memories
- Regain a sense of control over your life with the help of a supportive professional
If you’re seeking treatment and interested in working with one of our trauma therapists, book an appointment here.
At Integrative Psych, we are your premier destination for integrative and evidence-based therapy in New York City. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists specializes in a wide range of mental health services, tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you are seeking assistance with psychodynamic therapy nyc, bipolar disorder nyc, high-functioning anxiety nyc, complex PTSD nyc, or any other mental health concerns, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
At Integrative Psych, we firmly believe in the power of mindfulness-based therapy nyc to promote emotional well-being and personal growth. Our therapists are adept at integrating mindfulness-based techniques into their practice to help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
FAQ:
- Can trauma/PTSD be cured?
Similar to most mental health conditions, there is no cure for PTSD. However, the symptoms of PTSD can be effectively managed, allowing the individual to live their day to day life.
- What is the best method to treat PTSD?
The best method to treat PTSD is by using a combination of medication and therapy. Medication can provide present relief for their debilitating symptoms, while therapy can train you to develop effective skills for dealing with past trauma. Consider integrative treatment options such as psychedelics.
- Can PTSD only affect war/combat veterans?
While veterans represent a significant portion of those who suffer from PTSD, there are many other possible causes of PTSD. PTSD can result from a range of traumatic or life-threatening events, such as childhood abuse, sexual assault, death in family, or natural disasters, among others.
Patient Testimonials:
“I came to Integrative Psych for trauma counseling after witnessing a horrific accident last year. The therapy sessions have really helped me overcome the fear and anxiety I started feeling every time I was in a moving car. Although I'm not able to be a passenger in a car yet, I'm able to drive myself around.“
“I suffer from anxiety and depression, and was doing everything in my power to simply cope with everyday life. The medication I was on didn't always help so I came to Integrative Psychiatry for a second opinion. What we discovered is that I also suffer from PTSD, which is actually a trigger for my anxiety. For the longest time, I was being treated (and medicated) for anxiety and depression! Since we've started treating my PTSD, my anxiety is almost non-existent. Thank you Integrative Psych.”
“At age of 20, I joined the U.S. Army. It’s been several years since I returned from Afghanistan where I was deployed as an officer. When I first returned to civilian life things were going well. At the age of 36, I found myself struggling to manage my everyday life. I would wake up in the middle of the night shaken by nightmares. As time went on I began having flashbacks throughout my day to the horrific incident in my service. The nightmares and flashbacks felt so real that I felt my heart rate elevate. My friend recommended I visit Integrative Psych and speak with a professional. He told me that many veterans experience these symptoms after returning home. I met a psychiatrist who went over a PTSD scale and diagnosed me with posttraumatic stress disorder. Since I’ve been receiving treatment, all my anxiety and fear is gone. I no longer have nightmares and know what my triggers are. I'm beginning to live a happy life and I’m so grateful.”
