Trauma Recovery

Are you or someone you know affected by a traumatic event? RCC Counseling has services to helps you.  

A traumatic event is something shocking, scary or dangerous that can affect you both emotionally and physically. This can include natural disasters, violence, abuse, car crashes or other serious accidents. Researchers are working to understand what helps people cope after trauma and what might raise the risk of physical or mental health problems.

RCC Counselor Julia Fisher, MS, LPC, is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support trauma recovery. 

EMDR is a type of therapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress caused by difficult or disturbing life experiences. Research shows that EMDR can help people experience the benefits of therapy much faster than traditional approaches. Many people believe severe emotional pain takes a long time to heal, but EMDR shows that the mind can recover from psychological trauma in a way similar to how the body heals from physical trauma (adapted from emdr.com).

Warning Signs

Responses to trauma can show up right away or later, and they can be short lived or last a long time. You might feel anxious, sad or angry, have trouble sleeping or concentrating, or keep replaying what happened. For most people these reactions are normal and usually ease with time. 

If these feelings start to get in the way of your daily life or don’t improve, it’s important to get help. You may need extra support if you’re worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad or fearful; crying often; having trouble thinking clearly; having frightening thoughts or flashbacks; feeling angry, resentful or irritable; having nightmares or trouble sleeping; avoiding places or people that remind you of the event; or pulling away from family and friends. Physical signs that you might need help include headaches, stomach pain or digestive issues, constant tiredness, a racing heart or sweating, or being jumpy and easily startled. 

If you already have a mental health condition, have faced trauma before, deal with ongoing stress or lack support from friends and family, you may be more likely to have stronger symptoms. Some people use alcohol or drugs to cope, but that can create new problems and slow your recovery.

Ways to Cope

Try to avoid alcohol and other drugs. Spend time with people who support you and keep regular routines for meals, exercise and sleep. If you’re struggling, make an appointment with a counselor. Reaching out is a strong step toward feeling better. 

(Information on this page taken from National Institute of Health.)

Helpful Resources