One of the focal areas of my practice, and an area in which I have a great deal of experience and expertise is helping victims of trauma and sufferers of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Psychological trauma occurs when any stress overwhelms a person and causes lasting psychological effects. The oppressive psychological weight of trauma can result from a diverse range of experiences including:
- Abortion or other medical procedures involving loss
- Automobile and other accidents
- Childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse (including neglect)
- Combat experiences of soldiers and civilians
- Criminal assault
- Death or near-death experiences
- Domestic abuse
- Natural and man-made disasters
- Sexual assault and rape
- Terrorism
- Torture
Victims of trauma often attempt to protect themselves by anticipating worst-case scenarios with hyper-vigilance, questioning perceived reality and mistrusting any form of authority. Other symptoms of trauma and PTSD include a tendency to numb or intellectualize emotions, dissociate, or an inclination for its victims to reduce complex situations into black and white judgments.
If you’ve suffered from any traumatic event and find yourself lacking a support network, or if you feel especially overwhelmed, a professional psychotherapist trained in treating trauma should be able to help.
Therapeutic treatment for trauma and PTSD can take a variety of approaches. However, regardless of the treatment approach, psychotherapy should provide the trauma victim with a sense of safety, resolve the troubling aspects of the traumatic memories themselves, and integrate positive growth and change into your life.
For someone who has no history of mental health problems, brief therapeutic treatment may be all that is necessary for you to take back control of your life. If you don’t feel ready to see a therapist, but are still having difficulty coping and might be able to use some additional support, you may want to consider looking into trauma support groups in your area.
For more information on trauma and PTSD visit:
Victims of Domestic and Other Forms of Violence
Another focal point of my practice is working with victims of domestic abuse and violence. When spouses, intimate partners or dates use physical violence, threats, emotional abuse, harassment or stalking to control the behavior of their partners, they are committing domestic violence. The first step for the victim is to understand that she or he is not responsible for the abuse. No one deserves to be abused, no matter what the circumstances may be!
It is important for victims to admit to themselves that they are being abused or that they are in an abusive relationship. Even if a battered person is not ready to leave the abuser, recognition and validation of the situation are important steps. The next step is to decide what action to take in order to be safe and seek any help that is necessary.
For more information on domestic and other forms of violence, contact me or visit: