Dr. Sylvia Gindy, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Russell Shelkowitz
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Tal Gershon, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Valerie Graf
Licensed Master Social Worker
Trauma can come in many forms and can have a profound effect on your mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Whether you’ve experienced traumatic events in the past, or are currently dealing with a potentially traumatic situation, it is normal to feel overwhelmed and frightened by your emotions and memories. We encourage you to seek help sooner or later if you’re struggling with the distressing effects of trauma.
At Looking Glass NYC, we know that seeking help is difficult yet necessary for those struggling with trauma-related mental health conditions. It’s our aim to provide empathetic, specialized care tailored to meet the individual needs of our patients.
Our dedicated team is here to support you in your healing journey and provide a safe space for you to begin processing your traumatic experiences.
If you are suffering from trauma, remember that you are not alone. At Looking Glass NYC, we are here to listen and provide the care and resources necessary for successful recovery from trauma-related mental health conditions.
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or life-threatening event. It can cause feelings of shock, fear, helplessness, and anxiety. Trauma can also lead to physical symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. People who have experienced trauma may also experience flashbacks or nightmares related to the event.
It is important to note that everyone responds differently to traumatic events and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing trauma. It is important for those who have experienced trauma to seek help from a mental health professional in order to process their emotions and develop coping strategies.
Types of Trauma
Types of Trauma
There are three main types of trauma: acute trauma, chronic trauma, and complex trauma.
Acute trauma is a single event that causes distress or puts someone in danger. Examples include car accidents, natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes, violent assaults such as rape or mugging, and traumatic losses such as the death of a loved one.
Chronic trauma occurs when someone experiences multiple traumatic events over time. This type of trauma often results from ongoing abuse or neglect in childhood or adulthood. Complex trauma is the result of exposure to multiple traumatic events that occur over time and involve direct harm to an individual’s physical and psychological well-being. Examples also include prolonged domestic violence.
It is important to recognize the signs of each type of trauma so that individuals can receive appropriate care and support for their mental health needs. If you think you may be experiencing any type of trauma it is important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional who can provide structured treatment and support for your unique needs.
Trauma therapy can be a powerful tool for those who have experienced a traumatic event and are struggling with its aftermath. It is important to recognize the signs that may indicate you could benefit from trauma therapy, so that you can take steps to seek help and begin your healing journey.
Below are some of the signs that may indicate you could benefit from trauma therapy:
- Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event.
- Nightmares.
- Flashbacks.
- Intense anxiety.
- Depression.
- Guilt or shame.
- Anger or irritability.
- Shock or numbness.
- Eating disturbances.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Somatic complaints (e.g., headaches, stomach aches).
- Clingy/separation anxiety.
- Feeling helpless/passive.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Self destructive behavior (e.g., drinking too much, driving too fast).
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is important to reach out for help as soon as possible. Trauma therapy can help you build your confidence and provide a safe space for you to process your emotions and work through the trauma in a supportive environment. With the right support, it is possible to heal from trauma and move forward in life with greater resilience and strength.
Trauma Symptoms & Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD and trauma symptoms vary from person to person but may include having traumatic memories or dreams, feeling on edge or jumpy, avoiding activities or places that remind you of the trauma, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feeling irritable or angry outbursts, and difficulty maintaining relationships. Other symptoms of trauma-related mental health conditions may include feelings of sadness and hopelessness, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, and substance abuse.
If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD or another trauma-related mental health condition it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions typically includes psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps people learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions related to the traumatic event. Medication may also be prescribed by your doctor depending on your individual needs.
It is important to remember that recovery from PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions is possible with a structured treatment plan. If you are struggling with symptoms of PTSD or another trauma-related mental health condition don’t hesitate to reach out for help today.
It’s perfectly normal to seek help for trauma, especially if it’s coming between you and your best version of yourself. As trauma therapists in New York City, we work with people in your position all the time.
You may wish to seek professional cognitive therapy for trauma if trauma:
- Causes lasting emotional or physical pain,
- Harms your relationships, career, or social life.
- Leaves you vulnerable to sensitivity, triggers, or flashbacks.
- Generally prevents you from enjoying the things you love.
We understand the burden of trauma and its power to wreak havoc on your life. It can bring about intense feelings such as fear, guilt, and panic attacks that seem insurmountable in the moment. However, with our professional support and guidance, you will have the capacity to manage these difficult emotions and reclaim a healthy lifestyle. You are never alone in this journey.
Therapy is a safe place to learn about yourself, manage your trauma, and unlock a new way of approaching life. At Looking Glass, we take an active and genuine interest in your wellbeing. We listen intently to you and craft our therapies according to your unique needs. By combining actionable strategies with evidence-based therapeutic methods, we provide you an opportunity for tangible transformation in your everyday life. Above all else, we are devoted to helping you achieve becoming an enhanced version of yourself on this journey!
Are you considering therapy for trauma? Book your free consultation with Looking Glass today. We’re excited to help you manifest a happier, healthier life through evidence-based trauma treatment.
Trauma Therapist NYC FAQs
Can you have PTSD if you have other mental health conditions?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to have a pre-existing mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder alongside PTSD or as an effect of PTSD. Having a co-occurring mental health condition does not protect you from potentially developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, having a pre-existing mental health condition may make an individual more vulnerable to developing PTSD after experiencing traumatic events.
Additionally, people who have multiple underlying vulnerabilities, like low self-esteem, difficulty regulating emotions, and lack of social support may also be more at higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms following a traumatic event.
These underlying vulnerabilities can make it difficult for someone to cope with the trauma in healthy ways and can increase their likelihood of developing PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions.
Sometimes, PTSD can lead to other disorders, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, depression, and mood disorders.
It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to trauma and individuals with similar backgrounds or same types of traumas do not necessarily experience the same reactions. If you have experienced a traumatic event and are concerned about the possibility of developing PTSD or another trauma-related mental health condition it is important to seek help from a qualified professional who can assess your individual needs.
What ages can you experience trauma?
Trauma can be experienced at any age. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than two thirds of children reported at least one traumatic event by age 16.
The mean age at first exposure to any trauma was 11.4, but ranged between before one years of age through age 62. Additionally, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to trauma due to their developing brains, and even infants can experience traumatic events that have long-term effects on their development.
It is important to note that not all overwhelming or life-threatening experiences are necessarily traumatic for everyone; how a person experiences a traumatic event and expresses lingering distress depends on their age and level of development.
Does trauma affect your body?
Yes, trauma is both a mental and physical experience for many people. Traumatic experiences can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues. They can also cause psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.
The physical symptoms of trauma are often the result of the body’s natural response to stress. When faced with a traumatic event, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that increase heart rate and blood pressure. This is known as the “fight or flight” response and is designed to help us survive dangerous situations. However, if this response is triggered too often or for too long it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues.
It is important for those who have experienced trauma to seek professional help in order to cope with its effects on their body and mind. A therapist or counselor can provide support while helping individuals process their emotions in a healthy way so they can move forward in life without being held back by their traumatic experience(s).