Trauma

Understanding Trauma

When we experience events that leave us emotionally and psychologically scarred, it is described as trauma. Trauma can occur as the outcome of a single event, or it can come as part of an ongoing series of abuses. The result of this trauma can be destructive and insidious. It can work its way into our actions, behaviors, and world views subtly affecting our ability to enjoy life, experience healthy relationships, and recover from that trauma. Everyone responds to trauma differently, but the experts at Washington Nutrition & Counseling Group are here to help.

Flexible Therapy Options

We understand that seeking therapy can be a big step, and we're committed to making it as accessible and comfortable as possible. That's why we offer two convenient ways to engage in therapy:

Online Mental Health Therapy

Our secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform allows you to get expert care from the comfort of your own home, making therapy accessible regardless of your location or schedule.

In-Person Sessions

For those who prefer face-to-face interactions, we have locations in Washington, DC, Alexandria and Ashburn, VA, and Rockville, MD, where our therapists provide a confidential and affirming environment for your therapy sessions.

Where Does Psychological And Emotional Trauma Come From?

The events mentioned above can have a profound impact on how we view the world, resulting in a feeling of helplessness in a world that feels fraught with danger. The anxiety, emotions, and memories associated with the event or events can be intrusive, overwhelming, and enduring. The effect of these experiences can result in a feeling of disconnectedness that makes it difficult to trust others and experience motions normally.

A traumatic event often involves feeling as if your safety or your life is in danger, but not all sources of trauma fit this description. Anything that leaves you feeling overwhelmed and isolated can be a trigger that leaves you with lasting trauma. Everyone experiences events differently, so something legitimately traumatic to one individual may not register on another’s emotional radar.

Common Sources of Trauma Include:

• Singular Events – Getting robbed, assaulted, or in a serious accident. This is especially true if the event took place in our formative years.
• Endless Stress – Living under ongoing stress, especially threats to your life, can result in trauma.  Bullying, verbal and physical abuse, and living in a dangerous neighborhood are all examples.

These are the two most frequently thought of, but they aren’t the only possible source. The end of a serious relationship, a sudden death, and undergoing surgery before age three have all been known to leave serious emotional and psychological scars. Undergoing a deeply disappointing experience or being humiliated by someone particularly cruel can also have this result.

How Do I Know If I’m Feeling The Results Of Trauma?

Given that our experience of traumatic events is so deeply personal, our responses to them and how they affect us are similarly singular. That being said there are some typical themes that encompass typical responses to trauma, including:

• Anxiety and fear
• Confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of disconnectedness or numbness
• Shame, self-blame, or guilt
• Withdrawing from the world
• Mood swings, irritability, and anger
• Hopelessness and deep sadness