When someone experiences a threat, their central nervous system’s fight-or-flight response is activated. During a deeply traumatic event, this system can become overwhelmed, resulting in a chronically overactive fight-or-flight response or a persistent sense of reliving the trauma. This condition can leave a person feeling stuck in a defensive state, affecting both their mental and physical health.
A common misconception is that only violent or long-term stressful experiences can be considered trauma, but the truth is anything that causes a stress reaction can be traumatic, and any traumatic event can cause lingering mental health effects. At Columbia Associates, our trauma-informed mental health treatment is designed to help individuals recover from the lingering effects of all trauma. Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), our expert providers are here to help.
How Can Trauma Impact Mental Well-Being?
Trauma can have far-reaching effects on both the mind and body. Research shows that traumatic experiences often result in long-lasting physiological and psychological challenges. These may include:
- Disruption in higher-order brain functions, such as planning, prioritizing, and regulating attention.
- Heightened activity in the brain’s threat detection center leads to a persistent sense of danger.
- Dominance of the sympathetic nervous system can result in symptoms like hyper-vigilance, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
- A sense of disconnection from oneself or others, manifesting as poor self-care or social withdrawal.
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing reminders of traumatic events.
- Trouble controlling emotions, leading to aggressive impulses or difficulty trusting others.
- Altered sense of meaning or purpose in life.
Trauma is not limited to violent or long-term stressful experiences. Anything that causes a significant stress reaction can be considered trauma and may lead to these lasting effects. Understanding this can help normalize the need for support and healing.
What to Expect in Our PTSD Treatment Services
At Columbia Associates, we take a multidisciplinary approach to PTSD treatment. Our therapists use evidence-based strategies and address each client as a unique individual. These strategies may include:
- Coping skills development – Teaching effective techniques for emotional regulation and improving daily habits.
- Body-awareness exercises – Helping clients reconnect with their bodies and process emotions effectively.
- Trauma processing therapy – Assisting clients in making sense of painful and confusing experiences.
- Lifestyle support – Providing nutrition therapy to rebalance the central nervous system.
- Medication evaluation – Referrals for psychiatric evaluations and medication management when necessary.
The goals of treatment for PTSD are to restore healthy mind-body functioning and enable clients to heal from the past so that they can fully engage in the present and live freely. At Columbia Associates, clients work with trauma-informed therapists who focus on collaboration and trust to help individuals regain control of their lives.
What Is Trauma Informed Care and Why Does it Matter?
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the profound impact trauma can have on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When treatment is not approached in a way that acknowledges the depths of trauma, unintentional re-traumatizing can occur. Trauma-informed care emphasizes the need for a safe and supportive environment where clients feel validated and respected. A trauma-informed clinician will consider the profound impact of trauma in any treatment decisions they make.
How Can Trauma Impact Mental Well-Being?
Trauma can have far-reaching effects on both the mind and body. Research shows that traumatic experiences often result in long-lasting physiological and psychological challenges. These may include:
- Disruption in higher-order brain functions, such as planning, prioritizing, and regulating attention.
- Heightened activity in the brain’s threat detection center leads to a persistent sense of danger.
- Dominance of the sympathetic nervous system can result in symptoms like hyper-vigilance, heart palpitations, difficulty sleeping, and anxiety.
- A sense of disconnection from oneself or others, manifesting as poor self-care or social withdrawal.
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing reminders of traumatic events.
- Trouble controlling emotions, leading to aggressive impulses or difficulty trusting others.
- Altered sense of meaning or purpose in life.
Trauma is not limited to violent or long-term stressful experiences. Anything that causes a significant stress reaction can be considered trauma and may lead to these lasting effects. Understanding this can help normalize the need for support and healing.
Common Misconceptions About PTSD
Despite significant awareness of PTSD, there are still misconceptions. These myths can keep some people from getting the help they need, and others from understanding the experiences of those living with the disorder. Below are some common misconceptions and the truths behind them:
Misconception
PTSD only affects military veterans or people who have experienced combat.
Truth
PTSD can affect anyone who has gone through a traumatic event, such as an accident, assault, natural disaster, or loss. Trauma is not limited to a specific group of people or experiences.
Misconception
People with PTSD are unstable.
Truth
Many individuals with PTSD lead highly functional and successful lives. Symptoms that other people can see are most often in response to a specific trigger.
Misconception
PTSD develops immediately after a traumatic event.
Truth
The onset of symptoms may not happen for weeks, months or even years after an event.
Misconception
Trauma survivors should simply “move on” or “get over it.”
Truth
Healing from trauma takes time and often requires professional support. Suggesting someone should “just move on” can dismiss their experiences, cause more harm, and keep them from getting the support they need.
Talking about these misconceptions can help normalize conversations about PTSD and ensure individuals feel validated in seeking professional support. At Columbia Associates, we strive to create a judgment-free environment where clients can find healing through treatment.
The Benefits of Seeking PTSD Treatment
Choosing to address trauma disorder through professional treatment can lead to profound benefits, including:
- Improved emotional regulation and reduced anxiety
- Reconnection with oneself and the ability to enjoy life again
- Stronger relationships through enhanced trust and communication
- Increased resilience to future stressors
- Restored sense of purpose and meaning in life
We’re ready to partner with you to reclaim your life and build a brighter future. Find treatment for PTSD at Columbia Associates. We can help.
Why Choose Columbia Associates for PTSD Treatment?
Columbia Associates provides trauma-informed care in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., with a compassionate team of experienced mental health providers. We understand that your journey isn’t like anyone else’s and that your story is unique, which is why we tailor our PTSD treatment services to meet your specific needs. Our holistic approach helps address not just the symptoms of trauma but also the underlying factors. We’re here to help you live the life you deserve.
Start Your Journey at Columbia Associates Today
If you or someone you care about is experiencing the lingering effects of trauma, it’s time to take the first step toward recovery. Contact Columbia Associates today at 703.682.8208 to learn more about our PTSD treatment services. Our expert team is here to guide you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.