Whether it came from a single life-threatening event or a series of experiences, trauma can completely change the way you think, feel, and respond to the world around you. The good news is that effective treatment is available! You may have heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), but this is only one of several evidence-based approaches used for trauma.
At Riverside Psychology, we know that successful trauma treatment starts with understanding each person's unique experiences and choosing an approach that aligns with their needs. Through secure telehealth services, we provide trauma-focused care for clients throughout New York, Connecticut, and all PSYPACT states using proven methods.
Understanding the Different Types of Trauma
Trauma is defined by the impact it has on an individual's emotional and psychological well-being. People may experience the same event but respond very differently based on their history, support system, and other factors. Common forms of trauma include:
- Single-incident trauma, such as a serious accident, assault, or natural disaster
- Childhood trauma, including neglect, abuse, or household instability
- Complex trauma resulting from repeated or ongoing traumatic experiences
- Military or combat-related trauma
- Medical trauma following serious illness, injury, or invasive procedures
- Grief and traumatic loss
- Relationship or domestic violence
Trauma can occur at any stage of life, and it can affect you for the rest of your life following the event. Symptoms may be mild or serious.
Common Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can impact both the mind and body. While symptoms vary, many individuals experience ongoing challenges after the traumatic event has ended, such as:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares or disrupted sleep
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard
- Emotional numbness
- Irritability or anger
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Withdrawal from friends and family
Some people notice symptoms immediately, while others may not recognize the effects of trauma until months or even years later. Seeking treatment early can prevent symptoms from becoming disruptive.
Is EMDR the Only Effective Trauma Therapy?
EMDR has become one of the most recognized forms of therapy for trauma. However, research has shown that several evidence-based therapies can reduce trauma symptoms. Effective trauma care includes selecting the therapy that best fits an individual. This may include:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy developed specifically for PTSD. Trauma can leave individuals feeling trapped by self-blame, guilt, or distorted assumptions about themselves and the world. CPT guides clients through exercises that challenge these beliefs and encourage healthier ways of interpreting their experiences. CPT is effective for many types of trauma, including military trauma, interpersonal violence, and childhood abuse.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy
Many people naturally avoid reminders of traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, this only serves to keep your fear alive. Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy involves confronting trauma-related memories within a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. Through repeated exposure, the brain learns that the traumatic event is no longer dangerous. PE has helped countless individuals address fear, anxiety, and avoidance. At Riverside Psychology, our clinician has advanced training in PE and extensive experience treating trauma, including several years working with veterans at the Brooklyn VA Hospital.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills
While DBT was developed to treat emotion regulation difficulties, many of its skills are valuable for individuals recovering from trauma. These skills are often incorporated into trauma treatment when emotional regulation is part of recovery.
Choosing the Right Trauma Treatment
At Riverside Psychology, we believe treatment should be personalized to reflect your experiences. Our trauma-informed approach combines compassion with evidence-based care for therapy that feels both productive and manageable. If you are ready to begin your recovery, request a telehealth trauma therapy appointment today! We proudly serve clients throughout New York, Connecticut, and all PSYPACT states, providing compassionate care to help clients reclaim their lives from the effects of trauma.