Trauma
What is Trauma?
Trauma responses occur when significant experiences of harm, near-death, or death occur in our lives or when we witness such experiences. Examples of experiences that frequently trigger trauma include childhood abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, rape, combat, physical assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, and more. Almost every person has a natural trauma response after a difficult experience and many of these responses fade over time. Even if you do not develop prolonged trauma response symptoms, therapists at Vibrant Hues can help you understand the trauma’s impact on you.
Occasionally, after trauma, the natural trauma response does not fade on it own and a person will develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Symptoms of PTSD include:
- Re-experiencing symptoms such as nightmares or flashbacks.
- Avoidance symptoms such as physically or mentally staying away from triggers that remind you of the traumatic event.
- Reactivity symptoms such as feeling “on edge,” being vigilant constantly, startling easily, etc.
- Thought and mood symptoms such as negative thoughts about yourself and/or the world, feelings of guilt or blame toward yourself, and loss of interest.
PTSD can impact anyone.
How is PTSD Treated?
PTSD may be treated through medications, therapy, or both. There are several well-researched effective treatments for PTSD available, but it is important to know that not every treatment for PTSD is a good fit for every person. At Vibrant Hues, we offer Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy. You and your Vibrant Hues therapist will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment, and work together to choose what might be the best fit for you.
Regardless of whether we decide to address the trauma with CPT or prolonged exposure, we will:
- Talk about your trauma and its effects on you
- Practice relaxation skills
- Review tips for better sleep, diet, and exercise habits
- Help you to identify and deal with guilt, shame, and other feelings about the event.
You can heal; we can help!
Getting Started
1. Schedule a Consultation
Select a provider you’d like to work with and schedule a 20 minute consultation.
2. Complete the Prescreener
Complete our intake form electronically.
3. Start Meeting with Your Therapist
If you’re local to Eugene you can come to our office or participate via teleheatlh. We also see clients throughout Oregon via telehealth.