Therapy for Trauma

Have you experienced something or a series of “somethings” that you struggle to cope with, move on from, or even think about?

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You’re Not Alone

Trauma in young adults is more common than most people realize and can manifest in many different ways. It can show up as depression, anxiety, avoidance, difficult or intense emotions, low self-esteem, sleep issues, and trouble in relationships. We often minimize or do not realize the full impact of difficult and painful events we’ve been through. Trauma can occur when our body, our safety, or even our emotional well-being or sense of self is threatened.

 

Traumatic Experiences can Include

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  • Childhood abuse or neglect

  • Bullying

  • Sexual assault

  • Accident or natural disaster

  • Witnessing harm to others

  • Death or loss of a loved one

  • Diagnosis of a serious medical condition

  • Invalidation of your identity or feelings by family, friends, or institutions

  • Systematic oppression

  • Ending or loss of a relationship, such as a break-up or divorce

Trauma Symptoms can Include

  • Hypervigilance or feeling “jumpy”

  • Avoidance of specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that are reminders of the event

  • Disruptions in memory

  • Physical symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach, muscle tension, fatigue

  • Other mental health issues such as substance use, self-harm, or disordered eating habits

  • Difficulty trusting others

  • Intense fears of abandonment

  • Emotional or physical disconnection from your surroundings

  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to the event

  • Intense emotions such as anxiety, anger, irritability, numbness, fear, guilt, or shame

  • Low or depressed mood

  • Panic attacks

  • Sleep issues, including nightmares or difficulty falling or staying asleep

How Trauma Therapy Helps

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  • Re-establish feelings of safety in the world

  • Reduce trauma symptoms 

  • Increase understanding of how the nervous system works and learn techniques to regulate trauma responses in the body

  • Develop effective coping skills 

  • Increase self-esteem and self-worth

  • Learn how to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs caused by trauma

  • Decrease feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

  • Improve overall daily functioning

The Sterling Group’s Approach to Trauma Therapy

Using a compassionate approach, our therapists will support you in your healing process by helping you to make meaning of what you’ve been through and develop strategies to overcome the trauma responses and symptoms that are still impacting your daily life. The trauma therapists at The Sterling Group will help you identify, understand, and address the challenges you experience as a result of trauma and develop the tools to live a more resilient life. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based and effective trauma therapies, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), mindfulness training, and psychodynamic therapy. 

 Begin Trauma Therapy in Washington, DC

We understand that working through trauma can feel like a scary and painful undertaking. Our trauma therapists are here to support you through that healing process. We will work together to develop an individualized plan with concrete steps and interventions designed to support you in meeting your specific goals and needs. Let’s get started with these steps.

  1. Schedule a consultation with us using our contact form.

  2. Meet with one of our trauma therapists.

  3. Handle transitions in your life with more ease! 

    Other Services at The Sterling Group

    At our Washington DC-based therapy practice, we know that trauma doesn’t usually show up in your life as one, single thing. Usually, there are other issues that need to be addressed, and we can help with that. That’s why we offer a multitude of services to support you including EMDR Therapy and IFS Therapy. Our individual services include therapy for relationship challenges, therapy for developing identities and self-esteem, depression treatment, therapy for stress & anxiety, as well as executive function support. We also offer couples therapy for those that are looking to grow in their relationships. We would love to chat with you today about the ways we can support your growth at our counseling practice serving the Washington, DC area and Online Therapy in Virginia!