Trauma Help for Trauma at Lukin Center Expert Trauma Treatment in Northern New Jersey Psychological trauma is a broad term describing a person’s response to a stressful, scary, harmful or threatening event. Trauma is often associated with war, natural disasters, child abuse or car accidents, but it can also apply to bullying, domestic abuse, childbirth, or even events that happened to people close to you. Trauma can cause a wide range of symptoms, both physical and emotional. Processing trauma can be difficult, and its effects can feel like the symptoms of other physical or mental health conditions. You might feel overwhelmed and anxious, for example, or experience fatigue or physical pain. For some, the symptoms last just a few weeks; others carry the effects of trauma for decades or a lifetime. Trauma at a Glance Trauma is a broad term describing a person’s response to a stressful situation Trauma can describe a one-time event or an experience repeated over time Everyone reacts differently to trauma Symptoms that get worse or don’t go away can lead to other mental health issues Individual therapy and/ or medication are effective in helping people deal with past trauma Research suggests that 60-75% of people in North America experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetime. Sometimes the effects of trauma don’t happen right away; symptoms might show up later in life as anxiety or depression. Some people go years without feeling the effects of trauma only to have those intense feelings come back on the anniversary of an event, or when they see or hear something that reminds them of their trauma. When trauma symptoms persist or get worse, it can be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) At Lukin Center, we can help you address the effects of trauma with compassionate treatment tailored to your symptoms and your life’s demands. Our qualified therapists can help you with focused interventions, concrete goals, and proven treatment options to help you find relief from your traumatic memories and participate in your life the way you want to. What are the Symptoms and Treatments for Trauma? Everyone heals from trauma at their own pace, on their own timeline. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to recover from a traumatic event. If you or someone you love are experiencing these symptoms, it might be time to seek help: Issues functioning at home or at work Difficulty concentrating Strong feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness Fear, anxiety, or depression Emotional outbursts Difficulty keeping close relationships Nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks Going to great lengths to avoid being reminded of the trauma Feeling “numb” or disconnected from others Turning to alcohol or drugs to mask uncomfortable feelings If you find that your symptoms aren’t going away or seem to be getting worse, it’s important to seek help. Left untreated, trauma symptoms can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorder. A trauma expert at Lukin Center can help you get to the root of your trauma and find ways to cope with stress, manage your symptoms, and improve your quality of life. How can Lukin Center Help Me with Trauma Treatment? At Lukin Center, individual therapy is the foundation of trauma treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has proven to be a very effective approach for patients dealing with trauma and PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can also help patients process and heal from traumatic events. Others find relief with a combination of therapy and medication. If you or your loved one are dealing with the effects of trauma, don’t wait to get help. Lukin Center clinicians must maintain the highest possible degrees and certifications in their fields, including best practices in treating the effects of trauma in adults. As one of the largest mental health therapy practices in Northern New Jersey, Lukin Center gives you access to more highly trained therapists and a broader range of specialties, so you can get exactly the help you need. We’ll help you connect with the right mental health professional to get the results you want.