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Trauma &
P T S D

A traumatic event is any experience that overwhelms your capacity to cope. Survivors may often experience repercussions from traumatic events that persist for months or years after the initial event is over. Trauma caused in the context of a relationship, especially relationships with those who are supposed to prioritize our safety and well-being (such as parents, family members, intimate/romantic partners, or caregivers) can be particularly devastating to your well-being.

Trauma has a number of impacts on your health and well-being; not just emotionally, but psychologically and physiologically as well. Below are a number of resources that may help illuminate the multi-faceted ways trauma impacts health and why therapy is so critical to untangle this impact. 

What is Trauma? 

What Causes Trauma? 

Trauma is caused by events that significantly overwhelm our perceived abilities to cope. Often, there a threat to the physical or emotional safety of ourselves or our loved ones. These big events have a dramatic impact on our body, brain, and nervous system. 

Our brain's #1 goal is to keep us safe and alive. To do this, it has to learn what's dangerous and what's not. When we've survived a trauma, sometimes our brain tries to keep us safe by cranking up the sensitivity on our "danger radar" system. Our nervous system and sensory system become hyper-attuned to even the slightest indication of possible danger. Upon perceiving this possible danger signal, our brain then sets off a really big reaction: racing heart, tense muscles, sweating, or emotional numbness. 

Our brain has forgotten how to tell when we're "safe" and when we're in danger. Trauma therapy is all about re-teaching the brain when we're safe and when we're not. 

How Do We Heal From Trauma? 

Image by Nahil Naseer

Quick Coping Tip: TIP The Temperature

When we've been triggered, often our body temperature increases as anxiety and panic set in. We can utilize ice or cold water to activate the "dive response" in our body, shocking the nervous system just enough to begin calming down. Try holding an ice back over your eyes while holding your breath for 15-30 seconds. Notice how the heart rate and breath change.

How Can We Help? 

Our therapist are trauma trained, experienced, and certified. We offer individual therapy, group therapy, and occupational therapy to engage you as a whole-person while you work towards healing. 

Trauma by it's very definition is terrifying and overwhelming! Our therapists are ready to walk with you in the dark and guide you when you feel lost. You don't have to heal alone. 

Are You Ready to Get Started? 

112 S Maple St, Suite C-3

Murfreesboro, TN, 37130

615-212-9141

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