Trauma Counseling & Therapy

Trauma Therapists & Counselors in Westchester, NY

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Trauma – it’s a well-known word, but what does it really mean? Trauma is an emotional response – it is experienced when an individual goes through a distressing event. It can come from a variety of circumstances, some of which include: 

• Being a victim of a crime
• Experiencing or witnessing violence
• Experiencing the death of a loved one
• Being a victim of war
• Being a victim of a natural disaster
• Being involved in an accident

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There are three main types of trauma. The first is acute, which comes from a single event. The second is chronic trauma – this is where a person is exposed to repeated and prolonged trauma, such as abuse or domestic violence. 

Finally, there is complex trauma – this comes from a person being exposed to multiple traumatic events, that are typically invasive and of an interpersonal nature. 

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Do I Need Trauma Counseling?

Not every person who experiences trauma will need therapy to heal, but many do – even if they aren’t aware of it. Here are some key signs that you need trauma therapy:

• Physical symptoms 

You may have unresolved or unexplained symptoms like headaches or digestive issues. This can be connected to emotional trauma.

• Emotional numbness

You may have feelings of emotional detachment or numbness. This is likely to be a coping mechanism and signifies a need for support.

• Difficult or turbulent relationships

Trauma can heavily impact your interpersonal relationships. If you find yourself struggling with trust or intimacy, you may require professional support to address these issues.

• Avoidant behavior

If you find yourself avoiding certain places, activities or people, these could be reminders of trauma. Avoidant behavior often signals a deeper-rooted issue that counseling could address.

• Nightmares and flashbacks

If you’ve experienced recurring night terrors or flashbacks to a distressing event, it can signify a need for professional support. These flashbacks can be highly distressing and disruptive to a person’s quality of life.

• Chronic/ongoing anxiety or depression

If you find yourself struggling with ongoing feelings of anxiety or depression, this could indicate that therapy is needed.

• Suicidal ideation

If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or taking your own life, this is serious and needs to be addressed by a professional. 

• Addictive behaviors and substance abuse

For those who have experienced a traumatic event, turning to substances can be a coping mechanism to help them function in day-to-day life. However, this is not a solution and will most likely lead to bigger problems down the road. You should seek professional support if you’re abusing substances or falling into addiction.

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Leaving Trauma Untreated – What Happens Next?

Leaving trauma unaddressed can have serious consequences to a person’s life. From relationships to career, it can cause severe disruption to a person’s daily life. There is no guarantee that trauma or PTSD will resolve on its own, and it’s okay to seek support from a therapist if you’re struggling.

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How Long Will Trauma Therapy Take?

It depends on the form of therapy used, the specific trauma and the needs of the client. Typically, trauma-informed CBT lasts between 8 to 25 sessions. For other, less structured approaches, it could take longer. 

Regardless of the duration of therapy, many people have reported feeling better, more hopeful and more positive within the first few months of treatment.

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Take Our Quiz

If you’re wondering “is there counseling trauma near me?” We can help. Westchester Therapy Match wants to make sure that you’re matched with the right trauma therapist for your needs. 

We have created a simple quiz that takes less than five minutes to complete. We will use your answers to better understand who you are and what you’re looking for so we can match you with a top-ranked trauma therapist. Click here to take the quiz.