What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This might include events such as abuse, assault, accidents, natural disasters, or medical trauma. While some level of stress is expected after trauma, PTSD occurs when the nervous system remains in a state of alert, long after the danger has passed.
Symptoms of PTSD
Common experiences include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, and feeling on edge. However, symptoms can also be more subtle. These might include chronic anxiety, emotional numbness, difficulty trusting others, or feeling disconnected from your surroundings. You may notice increased irritability, trouble sleeping, low self-worth, or a need to stay constantly busy to avoid distressing thoughts. Some individuals may experience unexplained physical symptoms, such as fatigue or tension, without realizing these are connected to trauma. PTSD can affect how you relate to others, how you feel about yourself, and your ability to function in daily life. These effects may emerge gradually or intensify over time.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy offers a supportive, structured space to explore and address the psychological impact of trauma. A trauma-informed approach focuses on safety, choice, and collaboration—meeting you where you are without forcing disclosure or re-exposure. Therapy can help you understand how trauma has shaped your emotional responses, relationships, and behavior, while providing practical tools for managing symptoms.
EMDR for PTSD
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for PTSD. It helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally charged and less disruptive in daily life. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to describe the traumatic event in detail. Many clients find that EMDR helps reduce triggers, improve emotional regulation, and support a greater sense of internal stability and control.
Seeking Support
Living with the effects of trauma can be exhausting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Therapy can help you make sense of your symptoms, reconnect with your sense of safety, and regain stability in your life. If you’re experiencing signs of PTSD, I invite you to reach out to explore how therapy may support you.
