Trauma and PTSD

Understanding Trauma

Trauma can stem from a single overwhelming event or chronic, repeated experiences that leave lasting emotional and physical imprints. When trauma occurs, it overwhelms the brain’s ability to process and store the experience as a normal memory. Instead, trauma becomes hardwired into the body, triggering intense reactions when present circumstances resemble past traumatic events. This can leave you feeling stuck, helpless, and out of control.

Healing from trauma requires safety, trust, and a supportive therapeutic relationship. While talk therapy can be helpful—especially for single-incident trauma—many of the most effective trauma treatments involve non-verbal or minimally verbal approaches that engage the body’s natural ability to heal. Together, we will explore evidence-based trauma therapies to find the right approach for you.

What is PTSD?

While trauma can contribute to a wide range of emotional, mental, and physical difficulties, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms can be especially distressing because they create feelings of extreme helplessness and loss of control.

Common PTSD Symptoms:

  • Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares related to the trauma

  • Avoidance of people, places, or situations that trigger painful memories

  • Hypervigilance and an exaggerated startle response (always feeling “on edge”)

  • Difficulty concentrating, irritability, and sudden outbursts of anger

  • Emotional numbness, detachment, or difficulty connecting with others

  • Chronic sleep disturbances and nightmares

Healing from PTSD & Trauma

Trauma recovery isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about processing it safely so it no longer controls your present. Effective PTSD treatment must create a safe space where you can gradually reprocess trauma without being retraumatized.

Therapy can also target specific PTSD symptoms, offering relief while working on the deeper healing process. I will work closely with you to identify the most effective trauma therapy approaches, helping you regain a sense of safety, control, and emotional balance.

If you’re struggling with PTSD, trauma-related anxiety, or emotional distress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to find an approach that helps you feel safe, understood, and empowered.

 

Ben Adams Counseling, PLLC

1037 NE 65th St #80661
Seattle, WA 98115

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