Trauma
Call: (475) 329 2686Telehealth Trauma Therapy in Danbury
Trauma can deeply impact mental health and overall well-being, necessitating specialized care. At the Sterling Institute of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine in Danbury, Connecticut, we specialize in offering compassionate and effective trauma therapy that is designed to help them navigate and overcome the complexities of psychological trauma. We are committed to utilizing cutting-edge therapies and providing comprehensive treatment options for clients of all ages, ensuring that quality care is accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
If you or a loved one has recently experienced a traumatic event and need additional support, contact Sterling Institute today. We’re dedicated to supporting you as you reclaim your life.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
Trauma arises from deeply distressing or disturbing events that disrupt an individual’s sense of security, leaving them feeling helpless and vulnerable. Such experiences, also known as traumatic events, include encounters with war, violence, natural disasters, sudden loss, serious or chronic illness, and other overwhelming and disturbing events.
The impact of trauma can be profound, and its effects vary greatly from one person to the next. Common responses to a traumatic event may include intense fear, pervasive anxiety, and a heightened state of alertness.
According to a recent study, about 5.6% of individuals who experienced a traumatic event went on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental disorder that can develop after exposure to exceptionally terrifying or threatening events. Common symptoms of PTSD may include persistent flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, avoidance of external reminders of the traumatic event, forgetting certain parts of the event, decreased mood and inability to experience positive emotions, nightmares, and hyperarousal or being “on edge.” Trauma can also have physical repercussions, such as insomnia, fatigue, and a host of other stress-related ailments.
How Common Is PTSD?
Experiencing trauma is not uncommon. The World Mental Health Surveys, involving nearly 70,000 participants from 24 diverse countries, revealed that 70.4% of respondents had encountered at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. However, most individuals who experience a traumatic event will not develop PTSD. Still a significant concern for a notable portion of the population, the National Center for PTSD reports that about 5% of U.S. adults are affected by PTSD annually. While being exposed to trauma may be considered somewhat normal for the majority of the population, meeting the diagnostic criteria for a PTSD diagnosis is far less common.
Diagnosing PTSD
The process of diagnosing PTSD is intricate, requiring a variety of methods to ensure both accuracy and a thorough understanding of an individual's psychological condition. Diagnosis typically begins with comprehensive clinical interviews that explore the patient's psychological history and the specifics of the traumatic events they have experienced. These discussions help to establish a context for the symptoms and their impact on the individual's life.
Further diagnostic assessment involves evaluating the symptoms according to the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). To receive a PTSD diagnosis, individuals must display symptoms from specific categories that the DSM-5 identifies. These categories include:
- Intrusion (unwanted upsetting memories or flashbacks)
- Avoidance (avoiding reminders of the trauma)
- Negative alterations in cognition and mood (ongoing negative emotions about oneself or others)
- Alterations in arousal and reactivity (being overly alert or having difficulty sleeping)
Regardless of diagnosis, identifying any distressing symptoms related to a traumatic experience early and accurately is essential for effective treatment and intervention. Early diagnosis and understanding of symptoms can improve the prognosis by allowing for timely and targeted therapeutic strategies that address the specific manifestations of trauma or PTSD in the individual.
If you or a loved one is experiencing distressing symptoms following a traumatic event, help is available. Call Sterling Institute today to learn more about our telehealth and in-person options for trauma therapy and psychiatry services.
Can You Heal from Trauma?
Healing from trauma is not only possible but also achievable for many individuals. Statistics indicate that about 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Importantly, a significant number of those who develop PTSD will recover and no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD following effective treatment. This highlights that while trauma can leave a lasting mark, the symptoms and effects can be successfully managed and overcome with appropriate therapeutic intervention.
The process of healing from trauma is highly individualized. Each person's experience with trauma and their journey toward recovery can vary widely. Effective trauma therapy involves a combination of professional support, evidence-based treatment methods, and personalized coping strategies. These therapeutic approaches help individuals process their traumatic experiences, alleviate symptoms, and gradually restore a sense of control and self-worth. Ultimately, with the right support and treatment, many people can rebuild their lives and often emerge stronger and more resilient from the process.
Personalized Trauma Therapy Approaches
At the Sterling Institute, we understand that trauma affects individuals differently, which is why our trauma therapy programs are specifically designed to meet a wide range of needs. We employ a variety of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, each proven to be effective in treating trauma:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized treatment for PTSD, helping patients identify and modify harmful patterns of thought and behavior. Studies show that CBT can significantly reduce the symptoms of PTSD. This therapy is instrumental in helping patients reframe negative thoughts about their trauma, promoting healthier ways of thinking and reacting.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR has gained prominence for its effectiveness in processing and reducing the intensity of traumatic memories. It involves an eight-phase treatment that uses the patient’s own rapid, rhythmic eye movements to dampen the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: This traditional approach explores the emotional meaning behind traumatic experiences. It helps patients uncover and understand unresolved issues and conflicts from past relationships that may influence their current mental health. This deep exploration aims to resolve these issues, leading to greater self-awareness and emotional healing.
Virtual Trauma Therapy & Psychiatry
In response to the dynamic needs of the general public, Sterling Institute offers in-person treatment at our office in Danbury, CT, along with comprehensive telehealth services across the United States and beyond.
Telehealth breaks down geographical and logistical barriers, providing a lifeline for those who might otherwise struggle to access traditional in-office therapy due to busy schedules, mobility issues, or living in remote areas.
Our telehealth services ensure that high-quality trauma therapy is accessible to all, aligning with our commitment to community wellness and support. Through this flexible service model, we ensure that no individual needing help is left behind, regardless of their circumstances.
Begin Virtual or In-Person Trauma Therapy With Sterling Institute
At the Sterling Institute of Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, we understand that healing from trauma is a journey. Located in Danbury and offering comprehensive telehealth services, we are positioned to provide personalized and effective trauma therapy to those in need, regardless of location. Our approach is rooted in cutting-edge psychological research and clinical practices, ensuring our therapies are scientifically sound and tailored to each individual's unique circumstances.
Learn More About Areas We Treat With Telehealth
If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can overcome the shadows of the past and pave the way toward a brighter, healthier future.
Contact Us Today!
References
- Kleber R. J. (2019). Trauma and Public Mental Health: A Focused Review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00451
- Koenen, K. C., Ratanatharathorn, A., Ng, L., McLaughlin, K. A., Bromet, E. J., Stein, D. J., Karam, E. G., Meron Ruscio, A., Benjet, C., Scott, K., Atwoli, L., Petukhova, M., Lim, C. C. W., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Al-Hamzawi, A., Alonso, J., Bunting, B., Ciutan, M., de Girolamo, G., Degenhardt, L., … Kessler, R. C. (2017). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychological medicine, 47(13), 2260–2274. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291717000708
- Kessler, R. C., Aguilar-Gaxiola, S., Alonso, J., Benjet, C., Bromet, E. J., Cardoso, G., Degenhardt, L., de Girolamo, G., Dinolova, R. V., Ferry, F., Florescu, S., Gureje, O., Haro, J. M., Huang, Y., Karam, E. G., Kawakami, N., Lee, S., Lepine, J. P., Levinson, D., Navarro-Mateu, F., … Koenen, K. C. (2017). Trauma and PTSD in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. European journal of psychotraumatology, 8(sup5), 1353383. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2017.1353383
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). How common is PTSD in adults? Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp