What is Trauma? Do I need Trauma Therapy?
Trauma refers to the emotional, physical, or psychological response to a distressing event or series of events that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope. This can result from experiences such as abuse, neglect, accidents, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Individuals dealing with trauma often feel stuck or unable to move forward without proper support. If left untreated, these traumas can lead to deep-rooted negative beliefs about yourself or the world around you, causing a lack of self-worth, difficulties trusting yourself and/or others, challenges in relationships and parenting, and more. Through trauma therapy in Kearney, you can begin to heal and regain control of your life by addressing the effects of trauma head-on.
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can present itself in a variety of ways, and the symptoms often differ from person to person. Common symptoms include:
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Emotional Trauma Symptoms: Feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, and fear are typical. Some may also experience mood swings or emotional numbness.
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Physical Trauma Symptoms: Trauma can manifest physically as headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and tension in the body. Some may also develop chronic pain without a clear medical cause.
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Behavioral Trauma Symptoms: Behavioral changes like isolation, irritability, or compulsive behavior may surface in response to trauma. Additionally, people might avoid situations or places that remind them of the event.
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Cognitive Trauma Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, intrusive memories, or flashbacks are common signs of trauma's cognitive effects.
By recognizing these symptoms, individuals can seek help and begin the healing process through trauma therapy.
Telehealth Therapy Available
Explore the convenience of flexible mental health care with Mertens' Counseling in Kearney. Our Telehealth services are just a click away wherever you are. Receive compassionate, expert care for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more—all from the comfort and privacy of your choice. Mertens' Counseling delivers the perfect blend of convenience and quality, with in-person and online sessions available. Embrace therapy that adapts to your life, offering relief and guidance exactly when and where you need it.
How Can Traditional Trauma Therapy Help?
Traditional trauma therapy offers a safe space for individuals to process unresolved feelings related to their trauma. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)help clients challenge negative thoughts and emotions. With time, clients learn how to manage their trauma-related responses and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
How Can EMDR Therapy Help with Trauma?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another powerful tool offered at Mertens Counseling in Kearney. EMDR therapy helps individuals process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation techniques, which allow the brain to reprocess these memories in a healthier way. This can help reduce the emotional intensity of the trauma, enabling survivors to move forward with their lives more freely. Many of our clients have found EMDR to resolve or significantly reduce trauma related symptoms, which seemed to linger even after working through traumatic memories with traditional therapy approaches.
Types of Trauma
Trauma can take many forms, including but not limited to:
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Childhood Trauma: Often stemming from neglect, abuse, or unstable home environments, childhood trauma can influence an individual’s ability to form healthy relationships and navigate emotional challenges in adulthood.
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Physical or Sexual Abuse: Survivors of abuse often carry deep emotional wounds that impact their sense of safety and trust in others.
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Accidents or Natural Disasters: Sudden, catastrophic events can create lasting fear and anxiety, particularly if they result in injury or loss.
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Single Event Trauma: Things like a car accident, complicated surgery, difficult pregnancy or delivery, or sports related injury can lead to emotional and physical symptoms.
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Complex Trauma: This form of trauma occurs from repeated, prolonged exposure to distressing events, leading to more severe and enduring emotional and psychological effects.
EMDR THERAPY
EMDR therapy is a powerful treatment for trauma and other mental health conditions. At Mertens' Counseling, our trained EMDR counselors use this innovative approach to help you heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR therapy can improve symptoms, provide relief, and foster resilience. This therapy can be particularly effective for those struggling with PTSD and other trauma-related issues. If you’re seeking EMDR therapy in Kearney, NE, Mertens' Counseling offers experienced care to help you heal.