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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

According to the American Psychiatric Association, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events, or set of circumstances. An individual may experience this as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social, and/or spiritual well-being. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, terrorist acts, war/combat, rape/sexual assault, historical trauma, intimate partner violence and bullying.*

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What is PTSD?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PTSD inducing events

These are examples of some incidents that produce PTSD. Have you experienced any of these in your life?

  • Intimate partner violence

  • Relationships trauma

  • Infidelity

  • Religious or spiritual trauma

  • Sexual abuse or molestation

  • Abandonment

  • Infidelity from a partner

  • Parentification

  • Moral injury

  • Workplace trauma

You may have experienced one or more of these events in childhood or adulthood. The experience can impact how you perceive yourself, others, and the world around you. Trauma can affect several areas, specifically safety, trust, power and control, esteem, and intimacy. Let us walk you through the recovery process.

What you might feel or experience:

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Following the traumatic event, the body remains alert and prepared for danger. It is common to relive the event and find it difficult to resume a normal life. Some people do not recognize the difference the event has had on their life but others around them are aware.

  • Panic attacks

  • Depression

  • Anxiety

  • Suicidal ideation

  • Distressing dreams

  • Paranoia

  • OCD habits

  • Trouble maintaining healthy relationships with significant others

  • distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the event leading to wrongly blaming self or other

  • Being irritable and having angry outbursts at minor events and interactions

  • Difficulty with memory

  • Difficulty with trusting others

  • Difficulty communicating thoughts and emotions

  • Difficulty with identifying emotions and thoughts (dissociation)

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Empathic Evidence-Based Treatment

Trusting the Process

C.K. Kelly Martin wrote, "But, you can't unsee something once you've seen it. Not without a memory wipe anyway.” We are unable to wipe our memories and bodies from the impression left by traumatic events. We take the time to listen to symptoms while evaluating and assessing for the appropriate treatment approach. Our approach to treatment is focused on alleviating symptoms through processes such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization reprocessing therapy (EMDR), and incorporating yoga and meditation practices.

Empathic Treatment

We take pride in providing specializing in treatment to the community through a humanistic approach:

  • Chosen Specialization – We proudly have chosen to train and gain experience to specialize in the treatment of PTSD and traumas.

  • Community Access – Admitting the need for help is the first step, and seeking the right provider can be challenging. We offer in-person, group, and telehealth sessions to meet you where you are.

  • Humanistic Understanding – Our approach comes from a humanistic perspective framed by the view of individuals' inherent value, goodness, dignity, worth, and potential. We do this through supportive attention to the unique needs of your journey.

Space of Solace & Calm

Our space is designed to be welcoming, serene, calm, and soothing for all who enter. We know that opening up can be challenging so we aim for you to feel at ease while addressing things in your heart and life.

Vitural Sessions

Virtual sessions are available for therapy appointments for those in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. If you are unable to be seen in-person, we welcome the opportunity to serve you using virtual sessions - also called telehealth. You are able to attend sessions through secure means, in a private area where you are comfortable, and it gives you flexibility.

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