Trauma
Trauma is the emotional and psychological response to a distressing or overwhelming experience. When trauma occurs, the brain and body enter a survival mode designed to protect a person from danger. This response may involve intense fear, helplessness, shock, or confusion.
Trauma can affect people in different ways. Some individuals may continue to experience emotional distress, heightened anxiety, or difficulty feeling safe long after the event has passed. Access to supportive relationships and professional care can play an important role in recovery.
At Desert Sage Counseling, we offer in-person sessions available in Southern Utah. Virtual sessions available throughout Utah.
Trauma Responses
People who have experienced trauma often describe feelings and reactions that may be difficult to explain. While everyone’s experience is unique, there are common thoughts or statements that individuals with trauma frequently express.
Some examples include:
“I can’t stop thinking about what happened.”
“I feel on edge all the time.”
“I don’t feel like myself anymore.”
“Certain places or situations make me really uncomfortable.”
“I get overwhelmed by things that didn’t bother me before.”
“I keep replaying it in my mind.”
“I avoid talking about it because it’s too painful.”
“I feel numb or disconnected from people.”
“I have trouble sleeping or relaxing.”
“I don’t feel safe, even when nothing is wrong.”
These reactions are common responses to trauma and do not mean something is “wrong” with a person. They are often signs that the brain and body are still trying to process a difficult experience. Recognizing these patterns can be an important first step toward seeking support and beginning the healing process.
PTSD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While many people naturally recover from trauma over time, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist and interfere with daily life.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event
Nightmares or sleep disturbances
Persistent anxiety or fear
Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Feeling constantly alert or easily startled
Emotional numbness or detachment from others
These symptoms can impact relationships, work, and personal well-being. PTSD can also make it difficult for individuals to feel relaxed or safe even in everyday situations.
The good news is that PTSD is treatable. With the right support and therapeutic approaches, many individuals are able to process their experiences and regain a sense of balance and control in their lives.
"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness."
— Peter LevineChronic PTSD
Chronic PTSD refers to post-traumatic stress symptoms that continue for an extended period of time, often lasting months or years after the traumatic event. When trauma remains unresolved, the brain may continue to react as though the threat is still present.
Individuals living with chronic PTSD may experience ongoing emotional distress, difficulty sleeping, problems concentrating, and challenges maintaining relationships. Over time, these symptoms can significantly affect a person’s quality of life.
Despite these challenges, recovery is possible. Many people benefit from trauma-informed therapies, long-term counseling, and supportive environments that help them gradually process their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies.
EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR focuses on helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional reactions.
During EMDR therapy, individuals recall traumatic memories while engaging in guided bilateral stimulation, which often includes side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. This process is believed to help the brain reorganize how traumatic memories are stored.
Unlike some traditional therapies that require extensive discussion of the traumatic event, EMDR focuses on helping the brain process the memory so it becomes less distressing. Many individuals report a reduction in emotional intensity, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts after completing EMDR therapy.
EMDR is widely used by trained mental health professionals and is recognized as an effective treatment for trauma-related conditions.
Janay Langford
LCSW, EMDR Certified, PMH-C Trained