Trauma affects people from all walks of life every day. Unfortunately, people across the United States struggle daily with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Once thought only to affect those in military combat or intense life-threatening situations, PTSD is increasingly common. A trauma therapy program is the safest, most effective way to help those struggling with PTSD.
The team at A Better State focuses on trauma-informed addiction recovery in New Hampshire. With a range of holistic outpatient treatment programs, A Better State is a leader in partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) and intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), providing the New Hampshire area with accessible trauma therapy for PTSD. Call us at 781.412.1488 to learn more about our programs and get started today.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a physical, emotional, and psychological condition resulting from unprocessed trauma. Trauma is a complex response to life-threatening situations. Whether someone witnesses a traumatic event or their life is under threat, the brain releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol. These chemicals cause the body to go into fight, flight, or freeze mode to survive.
Sometimes, the body will process these chemicals during a traumatic event. If the chemicals aren’t processed, they are stored in the body. Studies show traumatic memories stay in the body’s tissues, not just the brain, causing trauma to get “trapped” in tissues, waiting to release and process. These chemicals lead to frequently traumatic responses such as:
- Anger
- Aggression
- Reactive behavior
- Unexplained guilt
- Shame
- Feeling unsafe
- Anxiety
- Fast heart rate
- Panic attacks
- Disorientation
- Nightmares
- Sound sensitivity
- Light sensitivity
- Worry
- Depression
- Self-isolation
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Mood swings
- Self-medicating
- Paranoia
- Shaking
- Flashbacks
Anything can trigger a trauma response. When this happens, the nervous system becomes dysregulated. Some trauma triggers directly relate to a person’s traumatic experience. For others, disconnected things can trigger a traumatic response, like loud noises, bright lights, or intense stress. Once someone’s PTSD has been triggered, it’s hard to calm down the nervous system and return to a state of calm. Prolonged stress and continued exposure to traumatic events through work, recurrent disasters, or abuse can cause PTSD to worsen.
PTSD often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It’s essential to seek professional help to treat PTSD. A mental health professional can help you understand your symptoms and develop a plan to address them.
Trauma Counseling for PTSD
Untreated trauma can lead to declining health and substance abuse. Luckily, trauma therapy for PTSD can help. Today, many approaches like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and trauma resolution therapy can help people process stored trauma, reduce trauma triggers, and thrive despite trauma history. Similar to other types of therapy, trauma therapy helps clients meet goals, understand behaviors, and release past harm for improved health. Everyone’s experience of trauma and PTSD is unique. Trauma therapy is highly individualized and adaptable, helping people recover in safe, supportive therapeutic sessions.
Learn More About Trauma Therapy for PTSD in New Hampshire at A Better State
Trauma can be devastating for people and their loved ones. Unfortunately, a lack of trauma education keeps many people from seeking treatment for trauma or understanding the depth of PTSD. If you or someone in your life shows signs of PTSD, know you are not alone. A Better State is here to help. Our trauma-informed PHP and IOP programs provide long-term trauma recovery. Our trauma-informed therapy programs include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Art therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Mindfulness meditation therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
With a range of programs that meet our clients’ busy lives, A Better State is here to help you and your loved ones recover from trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder can happen at any time in a person’s life. Trauma and PTSD are treatable. Call us now at 781.412.1488 to learn how our trauma therapy for PTSD can help you and your loved ones thrive.
