Trauma has a profound impact on your entire life and mental health. Whether you’re coping with a recent traumatic event or experiencing the lasting effects of something that happened years ago, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. At Riverside Psychology, our professionals provide effective therapy for trauma in Fairfield, Connecticut, and we will support you on your journey toward healing and recovery. Our PTSD therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express your feelings and process your experiences.
What Causes Trauma?
Trauma results from stressful life events or emotionally disturbing experiences. It occurs when your sense of safety or stability is severely disrupted, whether physically, emotionally, or psychologically. Some common traumatic events include:
- Accidents
- Abuse
- Combat
- Sexual assault
- Loss of a loved one
- Witnessing a natural disaster
These events often evoke intense fear and may occur suddenly or repeatedly over time. For some individuals, trauma results from a single incident; for others, it builds gradually through prolonged exposure to distressing environments.
Other sources of trauma may be more subtle but still impact us deeply, such as childhood neglect, emotional abandonment, long-term illness, or growing up in an unstable environment. Repeated exposure to distressing circumstances can lead to complex trauma, which may affect your sense of identity, self-worth, and relationships.
Symptoms of Trauma
The effects of trauma can persist for years after the event, affecting your emotional well-being and negatively impacting your mental health. It can result in symptoms like:
- Flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Feelings of fear or anger
- A sense of helplessness
- Increase in substance use
- Loss of interest or avoidance of people, places, and things you used to enjoy
Other symptoms may include hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, physical aches and pains, and trouble sleeping. Trauma can also contribute to anxiety, depression, and challenges with trust or intimacy. These symptoms can affect various aspects of life, including work, school, and personal relationships. You might avoid situations that remind you of the trauma, have trouble making decisions, or feel overwhelmed by everyday stressors.
The therapists at Riverside Psychology understand that trauma is complicated and are trained to guide you through recovery. We recognize that healing from trauma is about safely addressing the pain, developing healthy coping strategies, and learning to trust yourself and others again.
Our Therapeutic Approaches
We’ll work closely with you and build a foundation of trust and compassion. As counseling for trauma is a collaborative process, this is essential for creating a caring, supportive environment where you can openly share your thoughts and feelings. Our therapists use evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and more to help you reframe negative thoughts, manage symptoms, and regain control over your life. Your therapist will work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you, ensuring that you never feel rushed or overwhelmed during the healing process.
Other techniques may include somatic awareness, narrative work, and compassion-focused therapy. These methods support emotional regulation, reconnecting with the body, and developing self-kindness after trauma. Every therapy plan is thoughtfully tailored to align with your strengths, goals, and readiness.
Get on the Path to Healing
Healing from trauma is possible, and you deserve compassionate care. Take the first step toward recovery and reach out to Riverside Psychology for therapy for trauma in Fairfield, CT. We aim to empower you and help you build resilience every step of the way. Together, we can navigate the path to healing and help you reclaim your sense of peace, strength, and hope. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.