Trauma and PTSD

Symptoms of Trauma & PTSD:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks – Unwanted, distressing memories that feel like you’re reliving the traumatic event, often triggered without warning by sounds, smells, or situations that remind you of what happened.
• Avoidance of trauma-related triggers – Actively staying away from people, places, conversations, or activities that remind you of the trauma, which can lead to isolation and a significantly narrowed life.
• Hypervigilance or heightened arousal – Constantly feeling “on edge” or unsafe, scanning your environment for danger, being easily startled, and unable to relax even in safe situations.
• Negative changes in beliefs and mood – Persistent negative thoughts about yourself or the world, feelings of hopelessness about the future, and difficulty experiencing positive emotions or feeling connected to others.
• Emotional numbness or detachment – Feeling disconnected from your emotions, others, or even yourself, as if you’re going through life behind a wall or watching from the outside.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions – Brain fog, trouble focusing on tasks at work or school, and feeling mentally exhausted from the constant processing of trauma-related thoughts and hypervigilance.
• Irritability or angry outbursts – Feeling on edge and reactive, snapping at loved ones over small things, or experiencing intense anger that feels disproportionate to the situation.
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or nightmares) – Trouble falling or staying asleep due to hypervigilance, racing thoughts, or recurring nightmares that make you afraid to sleep.
• Physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal issues – Unexplained chronic pain, digestive problems, tension headaches, or other physical manifestations of trauma stored in the body.

At BeWELL Psychotherapy and Wellness, our licensed trauma therapists specialize in treating all forms of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trauma affects each person differently, and we provide compassionate, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique experience and healing journey.

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) – Results from prolonged, repeated trauma often occurring in childhood or within relationships where escape wasn’t possible. You might struggle with emotional regulation, difficulty trusting others, and a disrupted sense of self beyond typical PTSD symptoms.
• Childhood Trauma – Traumatic experiences during developmental years including abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or growing up in chaotic environments. Childhood trauma can affect how you relate to others, regulate emotions, and view yourself well into adulthood.
• Sexual Assault and Abuse Trauma – Trauma resulting from sexual violence, assault, or abuse at any age. Recovery involves processing the trauma, addressing shame and self-blame, rebuilding a sense of safety in your body, and restoring trust in relationships.
• Physical Assault and Violence – Trauma from experiencing or witnessing physical violence, attacks, or life-threatening situations. This can result in hypervigilance, fear responses, and difficulty feeling safe in environments that remind you of the assault.
• Emotional and Psychological Abuse – Ongoing patterns of manipulation, gaslighting, verbal abuse, or emotional control that leave deep psychological wounds. This type of trauma can be particularly confusing because there may be no physical evidence, yet the impact is profound.

Along with many other types/forms of trauma and PTSD you may be struggling with on a day-to-day basis.