“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” – Maya Angelou
Many individuals will face at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, which can leave lasting emotional scars. Whether it’s an accident, combat, abuse, neglect, violent crime, or a natural disaster, trauma can alter how you see yourself and the world. While some people heal with the support of loved ones, others may need extra support. If you feel overwhelmed by the emotions and memories of the past, you might be experiencing a stressor-related disorder. Riverside Psychology can help with compassionate trauma therapy in Westchester County, New York.
What Are Stressor-Related Disorders?
While PTSD is likely the most well-known mental health condition related to trauma, other stressor-related disorders can impact emotional well-being. These include:
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
This often causes difficulties in forming emotional bonds, stemming from childhood neglect or inconsistent caregiving. Individuals may appear withdrawn, emotionally unresponsive, or unable to seek comfort from others. RAD may affect a person's sense of safety in relationships, making it hard to express emotions or to trust others, even in supportive environments.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
Acute stress disorder causes short-term distress (up to one month) after a traumatic event. Symptoms often mirror PTSD but may occur immediately and resolve within weeks. Early intervention for ASD can help prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.
Adjustment Disorder
Adjustment disorder can cause sadness, anxiety, or difficulty coping with life transitions, such as divorce, job loss, or other major life changes, which can have emotional and behavioral effects. Even when events are not life-threatening, the emotional impact of transition or loss can create ongoing distress.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)
Generally resulting from neglect, DSED causes overly familiar behavior with strangers. This may include impulsivity, lack of appropriate boundaries, and difficulty with emotional self-protection. People with DSED may appear outgoing but have trouble with internal regulation and a deep need for connection without the tools to navigate it.
Prolonged Grief Disorder
This disorder presents with persistent, intense grief following the loss of a loved one. When mourning becomes all-consuming, it may interfere with functioning and well-being long after the loss. This form of grief can lead to isolation, hopelessness, and difficulty re-engaging with life. Supportive therapy can help honor the loss while making space for healing.
Understanding the symptoms of these disorders is essential to seeking proper support and mental health care.
Symptoms of Stressor-Related Disorders
Trauma-related symptoms can vary between people, but common experiences include the following:
Difficulty trusting others
Emotional detachment
Avoiding people, places, or activities that remind the individual of the traumatic event
Intrusive memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
Fear, anger, or anxiety
Feelings of powerlessness
Loss of interest in emotional or physical intimacy
These symptoms can impact every part of life. You may find yourself feeling disconnected from who you were before the trauma or unsure how to re-engage with things that once brought joy. If you believe you have a stressor-related disorder, Riverside Psychology offers compassionate, understanding trauma therapy to help you heal.
How Therapy for Trauma Can Help
Our empathetic therapists provide a supportive, non-judgmental space to help you process your emotions and experiences. We use evidence-based therapies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness practices, to guide you. We focus on helping you reframe unhelpful thoughts, develop healthy coping strategies, and regain a sense of safety so you can move forward and achieve personal growth.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify thought patterns that reinforce fear, shame, or self-blame. You’ll work collaboratively with your therapist to gently replace unhelpful thought patterns with more balanced perspectives. CBT may include:
Identifying automatic thoughts linked to the trauma
Exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Challenging internalized guilt
Practicing thought replacement techniques
Developing coping skills to manage triggers
Mindfulness-based practices, grounding techniques, mindful breathing, and body scans can also help restore a sense of calm and safety. During sessions, your therapist will respect your pace, boundaries, and comfort, and support you each step of the way.
Recovery Is Possible
You don't have to face trauma alone. Riverside Psychology can guide you with therapy for trauma and stressor-related disorders in Westchester County, NY. Please reach out today for a free consultation. We also offer virtual sessions for your convenience.