Understanding Trauma, Acute Stress & PTSD
Experiencing a traumatic event can affect how you think, feel, and respond to the world around you. In the days and weeks following trauma, people may experience upsetting memories, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, irritability, avoidance, or feeling constantly on alert.
For many people, these reactions gradually improve with time and support. When symptoms are severe or continue to interfere with relationships, work, school, sleep, or everyday life, additional support may be helpful. Acute stress disorder can occur during the first month following a traumatic event, while symptoms that persist longer may be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The Mindly Group provides trauma-focused therapy for children, teens, and adults in Raleigh, Cary, and Durham, as well as online throughout North Carolina.
Who Can Experience Trauma & PTSD?
Trauma-related symptoms can affect people of any age. How someone responds to a traumatic experience can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the event, previous experiences, available support, ongoing stress, and individual coping resources.
Children and teenagers may also experience and express trauma differently than adults. Changes in behavior, mood, sleep, school performance, relationships, or emotional regulation may sometimes indicate that a young person is struggling following a difficult or traumatic experience.
Common Trauma & PTSD Symptoms
Trauma can affect people in different ways, and symptoms may change over time. Some people experience symptoms soon after a traumatic event, while others may notice difficulties later. Trauma-related symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts, behaviors, relationships, sleep, and everyday functioning.
Intrusive Experiences
Avoidance
Changes in Thoughts & Emotions
Changes in Arousal & Reactions
Treatment for Trauma & PTSD
Effective therapy for trauma and PTSD can help individuals process difficult experiences, manage trauma-related symptoms, develop healthier coping strategies, and regain a greater sense of safety and control.
At The Mindly Group, treatment is tailored to each person's experiences, symptoms, needs, and goals. Our therapists may draw from several therapeutic approaches when working with trauma-related concerns.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help individuals identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that may develop following traumatic experiences. Therapy may also focus on developing coping skills, managing anxiety, and responding differently to trauma-related triggers.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a structured trauma-focused therapy designed to help individuals process distressing memories and reduce the emotional intensity associated with traumatic experiences.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches
Mindfulness strategies can help individuals develop greater awareness of thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations while learning ways to respond to distress without becoming overwhelmed.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy emphasizes safety, collaboration, trust, and personal choice. Treatment recognizes the impact traumatic experiences can have on emotions, relationships, behavior, and a person’s sense of safety.
Find the Right Therapist for You
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Mindly therapists who may be a good fit for your needs and preferences.
Meet Our Trauma Therapists
Our Mindlyclinical team includes licensed mental health professionals and supervised clinicians offering counseling and psychotherapy services in North Carolina.
