PTSD and Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur after an individual goes through a traumatic event like assault, war, or disaster. After experiencing a traumatic event, most everyone experiences some level of PTSD, such as nightmaresor recurring thoughts of the event. These symptoms usually fade over a short period of time. For some, however, traumatic experiences can be devastating with long-lasting psychological effects and can interfere with one’s ability to function. People suffering from PTSD may have difficulty managing everyday activities and may avoid family and friends. They may experience frequent nightmares, flashbacks, or intense feelings of anxiety, depression or guilt. PTSD symptoms can vary in intensity over time and stronger PTSD symptoms may be triggered when an individual is stressed or encounters reminders of the traumatic events.

Signs of PTSD:

  • Recurrent and intrusive distressing thoughts about the traumatic event
  • Recurrent nightmares
  • Feeling as if the event were recurring
  • Having intense physical reactions to reminders of the event, such as racing heart, rapid breathing, and muscle tension
  • Being easily startled
  • Avoiding thoughts and feelings associated with the trauma
  • Avoiding friends and family
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Feeling irritable or angry for no apparent reason
  • Substance abuse

PTSD Treatment and Trauma Therapy

Engaging in counseling has been shown to be an effective treatment for overcoming trauma. Dr. Mazzei, a trauma specialist, takes a comprehensive and collaborative approach in treating trauma related disorders. The goal of psychotherapy is to provide emotional support as an individual shares their experience of the traumatic event. Through therapy, one develops the skills to cope with distressing feelings and fosters positive life changes. Relaxation training, mindfulness, thought changing, lifestyle guidance, and behavior therapy are just some of the effective techniques used to reduce symptoms. Dr. Mazzei also offers Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which studies have shown to be an effective modality for PTSD, when integrated into a comprehensive psychotherapy approach.

Receiving therapy from a trauma therapy specialist will help you develop changes in your thinking, emotions, and behavior, which can help you manage your trauma disorder. Additionally, we offer biofeedback and neurofeedback (i.e. alpha-theta training), which can be helpful adjuncts to the treatment of trauma related symptoms.

Working together, Dr. Mazzei and you will develop personalized strategies for coping with your emotional challenges and uncover the solutions you need for a better life.

How do I get started?

The best place to start is by speaking to our staff, who can discuss PTSD treatment, answer any questions about the process, and schedule a confidential appointment with Dr. Mazzei. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call or contact us today .

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