Christian Counseling for Trauma Recovery
Trauma can strike at any time, and it has no respect for age, gender, economic situation, or social position. What should you do when you have experienced trauma? Call San Diego Christian Counseling and let us help. We have experience treating victims of trauma of all ages and backgrounds. We offer hope and help to those who are hurting.
Get connected with a Christian counselor
Contact Trish at reception
(424) 361-6198
What is trauma, anyway?
Because of the broad range of events that fall under the common understanding of trauma, finding a trauma definition that is commonly agreed upon can be difficult. In general, however, most sources define trauma as a damaging psychological or emotional response to a deeply disturbing or distressing event.
This can range from an event that is merely upsetting to events that cause long-lasting or even permanent damage to the mind, emotions, intellect, and will. Traumatic events can be single occurrences, single occurrences that are replayed in the mind, or events that recur over short, medium, or even long periods of time.
Each person responds differently to different types of trauma, so what may be tolerable for some might deeply impact others. This is because some people are naturally more resilient than others, may have developed adequate coping mechanisms, or may have been exposed to stress earlier in life.
Get Connected With a Christian Counselor
Contact Trish at reception
424-361-6198
What are the main types of trauma?
Much like trying to define trauma, there is little agreement on the number and delineation of the types of trauma.
Having said this, here are three common types of trauma:
Acute trauma: This type of trauma happens when a person is exposed to a single traumatic event, such as a single act of violence, a car accident, a natural disaster, or a sudden loss.
Complex trauma:Unlike acute trauma, complex trauma results from prolonged exposure to multiple instances of trauma that occur over a period of time. This type of trauma might include such things as war, repetitive abuse, long-term family violence, etc.
Developmental trauma: This is a newly recognized type of trauma in which children 1-3 years of age are exposed to ongoing or repetitive trauma such as neglect, abuse, abandonment, witnessing of violent acts, or betrayal. This will often negatively affect a child’s development and ability to attach to caregivers.
What are the signs and symptoms of emotional trauma?
There are a number of signs and symptoms of emotional trauma, and they fall into four main categories:
Physical trauma symptoms:
- Chronic exhaustion or fatigue
- Easily startled
- Rapid resting heart rate
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Chronic muscle pain
- Changes in eating habits
- Sexual dysfunction
Cognitive trauma symptoms:
- Unwanted and intrusive thoughts of the event
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Disorientation or confusion
- Extreme mood swings
- Nightmares
Psychological trauma symptoms:
- Emotional shock or disbelief
- High levels of fear, anxiety, or panic attacks
- Obsessive and compulsive behaviors
- Depression
- Detachment or isolation
- Emotional deadness
- Survivor’s guilt or shame
- Irritability and anger
Behavioral trauma symptoms:
- Avoidance of activities or places that remind one of the traumatic event
- Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Extreme alertness bordering on paranoia
If you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms after experiencing trauma, call us to find an experienced trauma therapist. San Diego Christian Counseling is your best option for counseling in San Diego.
How do I know if I have PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a particular trauma-related condition that is brought on by the experience of a single traumatic event (or series of traumatic events), either as a victim or a witness. While most people can recover from a traumatic event with time and proper self-care, for some people the symptoms last much longer.
If your symptoms have lasted for months or even years after the event(s) then you may be suffering from PTSD. If this is true of you, you should get trauma counseling immediately. Contact San Diego Christian Counseling today by calling (424) 361-6198. We offer hope for recovery!
What are some of the lasting effects of childhood trauma?
Trauma experienced as an adult is a terrible thing, but trauma experienced as a child can have devastating effects on the child’s emotional and worldview development, especially where abuse, neglect, or abandonment are concerned.
Children who experience trauma at a young age may believe that the world is not a safe place and that they cannot rely on anyone to care for them. As a result, they can experience real difficulty attaching to their caregivers properly.
Without that attachment, children will be more vulnerable to stress. They will have difficulty developing proper emotional and behavioral responses to situations and will find it hard to control and express their emotions.
As they grow older this can manifest itself in difficulties forming and maintaining meaningful relationships, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, anger and/or aggression, distrust of others, poor self-esteem, and isolation, to name a few.
It can even have long-term effects on the child’s physical health, such as diabetes, asthma, strokes, or coronary disease.
What is Trauma Informed Care and how can it help me?
Trauma Informed Care is a philosophical approach to medical or mental health care that seeks to take into account the possibility of traumatic events in the client’s past. It operates on five general principles:
Safety: The first principle is that of safety – both for the client and the health care provider. It involves not only creating places where people feel safe physically, emotionally, and culturally, but also considers anything that could cause an individual to experience unease or discomfort.
Trust and Transparency: This means providing full disclosure about what is happening, why it is happening, and what could come next. It is all about cultivating an environment of mutual trust that is free of deception or secrecy.
Choice: Choice is giving the individual the right to have a say in what is discussed, done to them, or on their behalf. It means respecting their right to say “no.”
Collaboration: Recognizing that the best and most lasting healing takes place in an atmosphere of relationship, where decision-making is mutual.
Empowerment: This means recognizing, building on, and validating the individual’s particular strengths.
Trauma based therapy is a very effective method for dealing with trauma. If you are looking for a Christian counselor in San Diego, call us at (424) 361-6198 or visit our online counselor directory to find a counselor who specializes in Trauma Informed Care.
How could Christian trauma counseling help me recover from the effects of trauma?
If you are suffering from the effects of trauma, Christian trauma counseling can help you by providing the tools you need to overcome both the immediate symptoms of trauma and its longer lasting effects. In a Christian trauma counselor, you will find a listening ear and a helpful guide through the process of overcoming trauma in your life.
How do I find the right Christian trauma counselor for me?
Finding the right trauma counselor is important. You will need to select one who is trained and experienced in helping clients overcome trauma. Please browse our online counselor directory to find a Christian counselor in San Diego who is right for you. We offer a risk-free initial session so that you will feel comfortable that you made the right choice.
If you are struggling with the effects of trauma in your life, stop trying to struggle alone. Contact San Diego Christian Counseling today by calling us at (424) 361-6198. We offer hope and help for trauma victims by pointing them to the Lord Jesus Christ, who alone can heal their wounded soul.
Get Connected With a Christian Counselor
Contact Trish at reception
424-361-6198