Emotional and psychological trauma can be caused by a one time event, or by ongoing, repeated exposure to traumatic stress and abuse. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a natural reaction that is experienced by one in three people who go through a traumatic event. If struggling with trauma and abuse interferes with your everyday life, it is time to get help.
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Why seek therapy for PTSD and trauma
You may find yourself feeling disconnected, numb, or unable to trust. You may experience upsetting emotions such as anxiety and anger, or a constant feeling of danger. You might have frightening flashbacks or nightmares.
Some people try to deal with these feelings through substance abuse or risk taking behaviors. Perhaps your family has noticed that you have changed. Or, perhaps you are worried about being around your family and friends. All of these are often related to trauma. You don’t have to face the symptoms of trauma and abuse alone. Therapy can help you recover from trauma and abuse and regain control over your life.
Sexual abuse
Were you subject to unwanted sexual activity? Were you coerced by force, threats, or the abuser taking advantage of your vulnerability? Immediate reactions to sexual abuse often differ from long-term effects. Long-term symptoms may include anxiety, depression, fear or post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychological interventions for survivors of sexual abuse are often effective.
Childhood emotional and psychological abuse and neglect has lifelong effects
People who experienced childhood sexual, physical, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, or incest, can suffer lifelong mental health challenges. If you were abused as a child, you are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and suicidality. Adult challenges with depression, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, attachment problems and substance abuse can derive from your childhood experiences. By addressing your childhood traumatic and abusive experiences you can work towards improving the quality of your life as an adult.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events
According to the Presidential Task Force on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma in Children and Adolescents a traumatic event is one that:
…threatens injury, death, or the physical integrity of self or others and also causes horror, terror, or helplessness at the time it occurs. Traumatic events include sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, community and school violence, medical trauma, motor vehicle accidents, acts of terrorism, war experiences, natural and human-made disasters, suicides, and other traumatic losses.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events can increase your vulnerability. Therapy can be effective.
Trauma and abuse therapy
The goal of trauma therapy with Dr. Franco is to pinpoint and treat your specific symptoms so that you can enjoy a higher quality of life.
Therapy does not have to involve only talking about your experiences. Dr. Franco uses a variety of therapeutic modalities, to help you process your traumatic experience and abuse history so that it no longer controls you. With Dr. Franco you can develop a toolkit that you can use to help you get through your day, remain calm and at ease, regain feeling, and be able to experience your life more fully.
Dr. Franco will accompany you through the stages of recovery from trauma and abuse. From re-stabilizing yourself, to processing the trauma and rejoining your friends and family, Dr. Franco will use humor and encouragement while providing an empathetic, warm, and interactive styled therapy. Dr. Franco will listen to you and work with you to help you achieve your goals and reclaim your life in therapy for PTSD and trauma.
Recommended reading about trauma, PTSD, and abuse
Complex Trauma, Complex PTSD, and Resiliency
Dr. Fabiana Franco published an article in “Trauma Psychology News”, with the American Psychology Association, “Complex Trauma, Complex PTSD, and Resiliency”. She writes, Traumas developed
C-PTSD and relationships
Dr. Franco published an article in PsychCentral about C-PTSD and relationships. The symptoms and history of individuals with complex trauma can cause a great deal
The short- and long-term effects of trauma
Dr. Franco published an article on GoodTherapy.org about the effects of trauma on short- and long-term memory. During a traumatic event, the parts of the