Supportive Trauma Therapy in Pennsville, NJ
Many people will experience trauma in their lifetime. While it’s possible to recover from trauma with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, some individuals may have lasting trauma and live with deep emotional pain, fear, or confusion long after the event has passed. In these circumstances, a compassionate therapist at Full Bloom Counseling can provide guidance and assistance. Our team offers trauma therapy in Pennsville, New Jersey, to foster healing and recovery.
The Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can result from a distressing event such as a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent act, exposure to combat, or a natural disaster. The four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5 include:
Avoidance symptoms – Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event. People may experience anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt.
Re-experiencing symptoms – Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks of the event.
Hyperarousal symptoms – Anger, irritability, hypervigilance, or aggressive, reckless behavior (including self-harm). Individuals may also have sleep disturbances.
Negative mood and cognition symptoms – Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, difficulty remembering details of traumatic events, or a marked change in habits or behavior.
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma.
Trauma Therapy at Our Practice in Pennsville
At Full Bloom Counseling, one of our trauma therapists will work with you to address your symptoms using evidence-based approaches. Two of the most commonly used treatment methods for trauma are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a powerful, structured therapy specifically designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic events. This approach to trauma therapy uses bilateral sensory input, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, to stimulate the brain’s natural healing processes.
How EMDR Works
EMDR trauma therapy focuses on helping the brain reprocess distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity. By guiding you through a series of phases, your trauma therapist will help desensitize you to traumatic triggers, allowing you to revisit your trauma in a safe, controlled environment. As a result, you will be able to adopt more positive beliefs to replace negative thoughts and feelings.
Benefits of EMDR for PTSD
Trauma therapy using EMDR offers a range of benefits, including:
· Reduces emotional overwhelm associated with traumatic memories.
· Helps break the connection between current triggers and past trauma.
· Fosters a sense of emotional resolution and closure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely recognized and highly effective form of talk therapy for treating those with trauma and PTSD. This method focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, providing you with tools to reframe negative thought patterns.
How CBT Works
One of our CBT therapists will work with you to identify unhelpful thought patterns related to trauma. These could include feelings of self-blame, fear, or hopelessness. By challenging and restructuring these thoughts, you can regain a sense of control and emotional stability.
Benefits of CBT for Trauma and PTSD
If you're suffering from trauma or PTSD symptoms, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help you to:
· Replace negative thoughts with healthier, more constructive perspectives.
· Build coping skills to manage anxiety and stress.
· Enjoy a gradual return to normal routines and activities.
What to Expect During CBT Therapy
CBT often involve exercises such as journaling, thought tracking, and behavioral experiments. For example, your trauma therapist might help you identify specific triggers, explore the associated thought patterns, and practice responding differently to reduce distress.
Choosing the Right Approach for You
Both EMDR and CBT are highly effective in treating trauma and PTSD. But the best approach depends on your unique needs and preferences. Our trauma therapists in Pennsville will work with you to personalize a plan, which can combine these modalities with other treatment options based on your symptoms and goals. You'll get trauma therapy tailored around you, so you can heal, recover, and reclaim control over your life once again.
Embrace Hope for the Future
Full Bloom Counseling would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing with trauma therapy in Pennsville, NJ. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a brighter, more fulfilling life.