Often times when people come to see me for anxiety and depression, they don’t realize that what they need help with first is trauma. Trauma is defined simply as “Having a deeply distressing or disturbing experience, or an event that divides a person’s life into a before and after and can change the way one views the world.” Trauma is different for everyone and what puts an experience in this category for one person, may not for another.

For example, two different soldiers could have almost identical experiences in battle but only one of them may suffer from trauma or PTSD. This has to do with personality, brain chemistry, genetics and many other factors.

Symptoms of psychological trauma

1. Shock, denial, or disbelief.
2. Confusion, difficulty concentrating.
3. Anger, irritability, mood swings.
4. Anxiety and fear.
5. Guilt, shame, self-blame.
6. Withdrawing from others.
7. Feeling sad or hopeless.
8. Feeling disconnected or numb.

If the above symptoms last for more than three months, it is considered a chronic state of trauma or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). It is important to see a doctor for evaluation if you have been feeling the above symptoms and avoid self-diagnosis.

Some signs of PTSD are, a fast or pounding heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, shaking, trembling, stomach pain and nausea, or what many people will refer to as a panic attack.

Using hypnotherapy to treat trauma often has a ripple effect. Once the trauma is healed, other aspect of a person’s life will begin to stabilize and return to balance and order. Oftentimes, the person doesn’t need help in the other areas they previously thought were problematic because the problems came as a result of unresolved trauma.

Treating trauma with Hypnotherapy can be extremely effective. If you or someone you know is suffering with the above symptoms and have been evaluated by a doctor, but feel like you would like relief without medication, or have tried medication with poor results, hypnotherapy might be the answer for
you.