Treating Trauma

Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster. Sometimes people experience trauma frequently during their childhood or in other adult relationships.

While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends, others may discover effects of lasting trauma. Trauma can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or post-traumatic stress long after the event has passed.

In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to heal from trauma.

Trauma Symptoms

According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5TR

Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event

• Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt

Re-experiencing Symptoms

• Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks

Hyperarousal Symptoms

• Anger, irritability, and hyper-vigilance

• Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm

• Sleep disturbances

Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms

• Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable

• Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event

• Change in habits or behavior since the trauma

Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Kim uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to treat trauma and persistent negative self-beliefs.