Trauma Therapy in Kailua, HI

What exactly is PTSD, and how do you know you or a loved one may have PTSD? Most of us generally think of PTSD as something combat or war related, but like any of our ailments (diabetes, broken bones or cancer) there are different degrees and stages of PTSD.

Of course there are tragic event that can cause PTSD, working as a First Responder, being in a bad automobile accident, an assault (physical or sexual), or the death of someone close to us.

Things that can also knock us off track could be shocking unexpected breakups, miscarriages, basically anything that puts us in a state of shock.

Past traumas, perhaps from childhood, can also leave many with PTSD that they have dealt with internally for years. Unfortunately, experiences of childhood physical , verbal and sexual abuse are more common than most would think. Even excessive bullying at school, or being exposed to very critical parenting can also leave a residue of the feeling that you are just “not good enough”. An absent or neglecting parent can also cause “abandonment issue”, making us feel very anxious in friendships and romances, with an underlying theme that they will leave me if I don’t always please them. These experiences also create issues with self esteem.

For many adults, whether it be exposure to a disaster, war, or past trauma from their past, using EMDR to process these past events can really change people’s lives. It works very quickly, and most will feel relief after just one session. It is a great tool because it works so quickly is a reason I like using it, however it would be your choice, and I can always utilize other therapy modalities instead.

Holding in these feelings, is what causes depression and anxiety, and triggers for most. You only live once, so if you feel your past creeps into you current life and plans for your future and causes you some or all of these symptoms, why not try something safe like EMDR, before trying medications? Many medications for anxiety are addictive or habit forming.