Individual Trauma Therapy

A trauma is any event that causes physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm and overwhelms one’s ability to cope. The person suffering from the experience may feel threatened, anxious, or frightened as a result. In some cases, they may not know how to respond, or may be in denial about the effect such an event has had.

When should I reach out?

● Your trauma reactions affects your daily life.

● Your health is suffering from repeat triggers & anxiety attacks.

● You're unable to talk to your loved ones about your experience.

● You want to understand what causes your trauma responses.

● You want to learn how to control you triggers better.

FIRST LET'S UNDERSTAND

Trauma

Common Symptoms of Trauma Exposure

It is normal to experience these symptoms in the days and weeks following a traumatic event and they should gradually decrease as time goes on. However, if the symptoms persist and/or worsen as time passes and you feel “stuck” where the trauma event happened, please take PTSD Screening below. You may benefit from seeking further assessment and support from a mental health professional that specializes in treating trauma.

Re-experiencing

• Reminders of the traumatic experience when you do not want to think about them

• Flashbacks

• Nightmares

Avoidance

• Staying away from people, places, or things that remind you of the traumatic situation

• Avoidance of places or memories

Negative Thoughts or Feelings

• Difficulty trusting others and building relationships

• Feeling disconnected from your body

• Feeling numb

• Thoughts that the world is dangerous

• Avoiding large crowds

• Increased sadness, shame, and/or guilt

• Isolation

Hyperarousal

• Anger and/or irritability

• Easily startled, nervous, or scared (e.g., feeling jumpy after you hear a loud noise)

• Being on guard/on watch, especially in public places

• Difficulty focusing or making decisions

• Difficulty falling asleep

Quick PTSD Screening

Have you or a loved one experienced any of the following traumatic events?  (Please note these are only our focus areas and not a full list of traumatic events)

1. Been shot or shot at

2. Witnessed a person killed or seriously injured

3. Incarceration or Police Brutality

4. Sudden loss of loved ones to homicide or incarceration

5. Childhood sexual or physical abuse, neglect or abandonment

6. Parental drug use

7. Physical or sexual assault

8. Domestic Violence (Physical, Emotional, or Psychological Abuse)

If so, please answer the 5 Yes/No screening questions below regarding post traumatic stress to determine if you may benefit from connecting to Truer Ground.

In the past month, have you...

1. Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to? YES / NO

2. Tried hard not to think about the event(s) or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event(s)? YES / NO

3. Been constantly on guard, watchful, or jumpy? YES / NO

4. Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings? YES / NO

5. Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused? YES / NO

NOTE: Answering “YES” to any of the screening questions does not necessarily mean that you have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, answering “YES” to any 3 of the 5 questions does indicate the possibility you may have PTSD or trauma-rooted problems and may benefit from connecting with a mental health professional with trauma training for further assessment.

Prins, A., Bovin, M. J., Kimerling, R., Kaloupek, D. G., Marx, B. P., Pless Kaiser, A., & Schnurr, P. P. (2015). The Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5). [Measurement instrument].

PTSD vs. a Normal Response to Traumatic Events

Please see link for more information, causes and tips.

Complex PTSD - Our Specialty

Complex trauma occurs as a result of prolonged and reoccurring experiences of trauma usually starting in early childhood. Trauma of this nature can also happen in the context of being intentionally cruel/evil. The effects of this form of trauma typically have a greater and long lasting negative effect than those who have experienced a single-event trauma. Complex trauma deeply changes how the brain develops. This can result in periods of dissociation, fragmented/broken sense of self, deep rooted feelings of shame and rage, conflict with sexuality and trouble building and maintaining relationships due to inability to trust and feel safe with others.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are experiencing this level of trauma it is strongly encouraged to seek professional support with a mental health professional who is clinically trained in trauma informed care AND evidence-based trauma interventions to avoid unintentional retraumatization and ensure you get the quality care you need.

Additional Resources and Information on Trauma, Depression and Anxiety among Black Americans (share with a friend who may be struggling!)

This is NOT a drill and you are NOT alone. If you are experiencing active suicidal thoughts please contact the Suicide Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential support available 24/7.

The Tragedy of Black Youth Suicide

Black Male Suicide: A Silent Epidemic

Suicide Rates for Black Women and Girls Have Climbed for Two Decades

PTSD Among  Black Americans Fact Sheet

Anxiety Among Black Americans Fact Sheet

Depression Among Black Americans Fact Sheet

INTRODUCING

Soundtrack EMDR

EMDR has been recognized as a significantly effective tool to treat single event PTSD and Complex PTSD that requires intensive training on the part of the clinician. We have designed a unique, completely customized EMDR protocol that utilizes the healing power of music and TF-CBT to structure treatment plan and address complex collections of trauma.

If interested, please ask for more information during initial intake session!