ONLINE THERAPY FOR VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, AND SURROUNDING AREAS
1900 Campus Commons Dr Ste 100 Reston, VA 20191 I 201 Prospect Ave Hagerstown, MD 21724 I (301) 800-8696
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WE HAVE IMMEDIATE ONLINE THERAPY OPENINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN RESTON, VA AND SURROUNDING AREAS
WE HAVE IMMEDIATE IN PERSON THERAPY OPENINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN HAGERSTOWN, MD AND SURROUNDING AREAS
DO YOU EVER FEEL HAUNTED BY YOUR PAST?
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Do you often feel overwhelmed by intense emotions that seem to come out of nowhere?
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Have you noticed persistent feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness that are difficult to shake?
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Do you struggle to maintain stable relationships or find it hard to trust others?
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Have you experienced recurrent nightmares or intrusive memories related to past traumatic events?
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Do you ever feel disconnected from your emotions or struggle to identify what you're feeling?
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Have you noticed changes in your mood or energy levels that seem to fluctuate unpredictably?
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Do you find it challenging to regulate your emotions or cope with stress?
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Have you developed unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use or self-harm, to numb emotional pain?
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Do you experience hypervigilance or feel constantly on edge, as if danger is always lurking?
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Have you ever felt like you're living in a fog or that life lacks meaning and purpose?
WHAT DOES LIVING WITH TRAUMA FEEL LIKE?
While specific symptoms of trauma may look different for individual people, generally acute or complex PTSD include some symptoms in each of the following categories:
INTRUSIVE SYMPTOMS
Intrusive symptoms of PTSD involve persistent, involuntary memories or flashbacks of traumatic events that disrupt daily life. These symptoms can manifest as vivid, distressing recollections, nightmares, or emotional flashbacks that make it feel as though the traumatic event is happening again. Such symptoms can lead to heightened anxiety, emotional distress, and difficulties in focusing or functioning. Recognizing and addressing these intrusive symptoms with appropriate therapy is crucial for managing their impact and moving towards healing and recovery.
AVOIDANCE SYMPTOMS
Avoidance symptoms in both acute and complex PTSD involve efforts to evade reminders of past trauma. However, in complex PTSD, avoidance can extend beyond specific triggers to encompass broader aspects of life, such as avoiding relationships or emotions. Unlike acute PTSD, where avoidance tends to be more focused on specific stimuli, such as places or situations associated with the trauma, complex PTSD may involve pervasive avoidance behaviors that impact multiple areas of functioning, perpetuating feelings of disconnection and hindering recovery.
NEGATIVE ALTERATIONS IN MOOD AND COGNITION
The negative alterations in mood and cognition symptoms in PTSD involve pervasive changes in how individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world around them, often leading to persistent negative beliefs and feelings of worthlessness. Unlike acute PTSD, where these symptoms may be more focused on the traumatic event itself, in complex PTSD, they can be more broad and enduring, impacting various aspects of life. This chronic pattern of negative thoughts and emotions contributes to ongoing distress and can hinder the ability to form healthy relationships and maintain a sense of self.
EXAGGERATED STARTLE RESPONSE
The exaggerated startle response in PTSD involves an intense and heightened reaction to perceived threats or triggers, often leading to feelings of hypervigilance and anxiety. While the startle response in acute PTSD may be more directly linked to specific trauma-related stimuli, in complex PTSD, it can be more generalized, affecting various aspects of daily life. This heightened reactivity reflects the pervasive sense of danger and lack of safety experienced by individuals with complex PTSD, contributing to ongoing distress and difficulty in feeling secure.
WHAT IS COMPLEX PTSD AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ACUTE PTSD?
Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or C-PTSD, is a psychological condition that develops in response to prolonged exposure to traumatic events, particularly those of an interpersonal nature such as childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing trauma. While similar to PTSD in many ways, Complex PTSD is distinguished by its broader array of symptoms, including disturbances in self-concept, difficulties in emotion regulation, and pervasive interpersonal problems. Unlike PTSD, which typically arises from a single traumatic incident, Complex PTSD results from repeated or prolonged trauma, leading to a more complex and enduring impact on the individual's psychological well-being. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by Complex PTSD is crucial for providing effective treatment and support to those affected.
It is important to note that the nuances of life are not always captured in a simple diagnosis. Only trained mental health professionals who have completed a comprehensive evaluation with a specific individual can assign a diagnosis. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed above, it’s important to seek professional help to receive an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment.
© 2024 Aspen Grove Wellness
We specialize in providing trauma therapy to individuals in Maryland and Virginia.
Acute Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) are conditions that arises from exposure to traumatic events, including but not limited to childhood abuse, neglect, or ongoing interpersonal trauma. It is estimated that 6-8% of people experience PTSD at some point in their lives. While precise prevalence rates for C-PTSD are challenging to determine, research suggests that C-PTSD may be more common than previously recognized, particularly among individuals with a history of chronic trauma. It is estimated that a significant portion of those diagnosed with PTSD may also meet criteria for C-PTSD. Despite its prevalence, C-PTSD often goes undiagnosed and untreated, highlighting the need for increased awareness and specialized interventions for those affected.
At Aspen Grove Wellness, we provide specialized therapy for trauma designed to address the unique needs of each individual. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, or emotional distress from past experiences, our experienced therapists are here to guide you through a personalized healing process. If you are experiencing any of these trauma symptoms and would like to see if trauma therapy could be helpful for you, please click below. We will join you on your individual journey toward healing.
DON'T LET WORRY GET IN YOUR WAY
How do I know if my experience is severe enough to need therapy? Trauma isn't solely defined by the severity of an event but by how it affects you emotionally and psychologically. Even if your experiences seem less severe than others, they can still have a significant impact on your emotional well-being and interfere with the quality of your life. Trauma therapy can help you understand and manage these feelings, providing support tailored to your unique situation. Your feelings are valid, and you don't have to face recovery alone.
I’m worried about the cost of therapy. We understand that the cost of therapy can be intimidating and a very realistic barrier to treatment for many people. This is why we, at Aspen Grove Wellness, are in network with most major commercial payers and have a radical commitment to helping you access your health insurance benefits. If you would like to know your specific benefits, we recommend that you call the Member Services number on the back of your insurance card.
Do I have to relive painful memories in therapy? Our trained trauma therapists specialize in a number of different evidence-based and trauma informed treatment modalities. Trauma informed treatment is designed to help you process and heal from your experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Therapists use various techniques to gently guide you through your emotions at your own pace, but you remain ultimately in the driver's seat of your therapy. The goal is not to make you relive trauma but to help you understand and manage your feelings effectively, leading to healing and empowerment.
READY TO LEARN MORE?
HEALING IN THE GROVE
CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT BLOG POSTS ON TRAUMA THERAPY
Office Locations
In Person and Online Therapy Sessions Available
201 Prospect Ave
Hagerstown, MD 21742
Online Therapy Sessions Available
1900 Campus Commons Dr Ste 100
Reston, VA 20191