Providing online therapy to Manhattan and the state of New York
Past trauma can impact our current daily life in many ways. Experiences such as serious injury, physical and sexual violence, chronic abuse and neglect, and being bullied are some examples of past trauma that can haunt a person throughout their entire life. The emotional scars of these experiences can be expressed in our present life in various ways including vivid flashbacks, nightmares, uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, decreased self-esteem, and even physical symptoms including panic attacks.
In an attempt to manage the negative impact of trauma, people may develop negative patterns of avoidance that could include self-defeating behaviors like substance abuse, procrastination, or self-harm. Activities of daily living can become very difficult. Diminished ability to trust can interfere with attracting and maintaining healthy relationships. People suffer with emotions such as guilt, shame, isolation, anxiety, depression, or anger. Overall, it can poison our perception of the world and our ability to enjoy life.
Trauma informed therapy works to help people reprocess trauma in a safe and controlled environment, moving at a pace that is comfortable. The ultimate goal is to learn to integrate these experiences in such a way where they no longer have the negative impact on you that they once did. Over time, an empowered view of our experiences can allow us to feel personal strength and growth, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for what matters to us most in life.
