Trauma Therapy in Sarasota, FL
Trauma happens for all sorts of reasons. You could experience it from war or a natural disaster, or from being abused or neglected as a child, among many other examples. If you think you are struggling with unresolved trauma, Lynn Arters, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, is available in Sarasota and online throughout Florida.
Trauma Explained
In general, trauma is a word that means an incredibly stressful or disturbing experience that triggers a serious mental reaction. Examples of trauma vary greatly. And because each person reacts differently to a situation or experience, what you may classically think of as trauma isn't the only example. A traumatic experience could be something that happened to you or that you witnessed, a thing that happened once, or a series of events.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If you have unresolved trauma, you may experience any of the following issues as a result:
- Hypervigilance
- Avoiding people and situations that remind you of the trauma
- Experiencing flashbacks
- Having trouble sleeping
- Anger or aggression
- Having nightmares, particularly ones related to the event
- Feeling guilty
- Blocking out certain aspects of the experience
Besides what trauma does to you mentally, it can also put stress on your relationships as you lose the desire to be around others. Your trauma may also cause you to lose interest in activities you once loved, and if you're experiencing a lack of sleep or other similar issues, you may not function as you once did and may have mood swings.
How Counselors Treat Trauma
Whether you schedule an in-person visit in Sarasota or another location in Florida online, the first part of the appointment consists of getting to know if you and your therapist are a good match.
Together, you and the therapist will work on helping you deal with any feelings of blame or guilt associated with the experience. You'll learn techniques to help you cope when you’re experiencing reactions, such as deep breathing.
While avoidance may seem like an ideal way to handle anxiety from trauma, it can make matters worse in the long run by causing more stress. Gradual exposure, however, can help you stop practicing avoidance because you slowly and safely process the distressing memories.
Get Help Moving on from Trauma
Lynn Arters offers online visits and in-person appointments for those in Sarasota, FL, and the neighboring communities. You'll work on looking at the issue in a different light and develop more positive ways of thinking.