Trauma / PTSD counseling services in Miller Place, Long Island, NY

Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on individuals, impacting their emotional, mental, physical, and social well-being.

Holistic therapy for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), encompasses a range of approaches that can address all aspects of an individual’s unique condition. Therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and behaviors associated with the trauma.

Common effects of trauma on an individual:

Emotional Effects:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood swings
  • Emotional numbing
  • Irritability
  • Guilt
  • Shame

Mental Effects:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Dissociation
  • Memory problems
  • Concentration difficulties (ADHD)
  • Hyper-vigilance

Physical Effects:

  • Chronic pain
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Digestive issues
  • Weakened immune system
  • Self-harm or self-destructive behaviors

Social Effects:

  • Relationship difficulties
  • Social withdrawal
  • Trust issues
  • Intimacy problems
  • Difficulty forming attachments

Behavioral Effects:

  • Substance abuse
  • Addiction
  • Avoidance behaviors
  • Hypervigilance
  • Self-destructive behaviors

Long-term Effects:

  • Complex Trauma Disorder
  • Emotional dysregulation
  • Personality changes
  • Chronic mental health conditions
  • Increased risk of mental health disorders

The Holistic Counseling Center of Long Island provides a supportive environment for people to share experiences and connect with a counselor who can understand their struggles. Trauma / PTSD counseling offers people a safe space to approach and process traumatic memories, feelings & situations they’ve been avoiding.

Phases of Recovery

Phase 1: Safety and Stabilization: Establishing a safe environment, Building trust with a therapist or support system, Managing symptoms (anxiety, depression), Developing coping mechanisms.

Phase 2: Processing and Integration: Confronting and processing traumatic #memories, Identifying and reframing negative thought patterns, Reclaiming control and empowerment, Integrating traumatic experiences into one’s narrative.

Phase 3: Reconnection and Growth: Rebuilding relationships and social #connections, Rediscovering interests and passions, Developing self-care and self-compassion practices, Finding meaning and purpose.

Remember, everyone’s healing process is unique, and recovery from trauma takes time. Progress may be non-linear, and setbacks are a normal part of the process. So be mindful in celebrating the small victories along your journey.

Family Therapy: we also help improve communication and relationships within the family, addressing the impact of PTSD on family dynamics. Having strong social connections with family, friends, partners, or a therapist can provide a sense of belonging and validation while learning healthy coping skills.

For more information on Trauma / PTSD counseling, contact us today.

Our holistic therapy for PTSD can include services like talk therapy, hypnosis, and ear acupuncture/acupressure.

ACUPUNCTURE / ACUPRESSURE – NADA ear acupuncture is used to help with addiction, mental health & trauma. Don’t want to be needled? Acupressure options available.

HYPNOSIS – Hypnosis has tremendous utility to a range of audiences to help deal with:

  • PTSD
  • Phobias
  • Stress
  • Pain
  • Smoking
  • Addiction
  • Insomnia
  • Eating Disorders

ADDICTION

Some people try to cope with their post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms by drinking heavily, using drugs, or smoking too much. People with PTSD have more problems with drugs & alcohol both before & after developing PTSD. Even if you do not have a problem with alcohol before a traumatic event, if you have PTSD, you are at increased risk for developing a problem.

Eventually, the overuse of drugs / alcohol can develop into substance use disorder. Treatment should be given for both PTSD and SUD to lead to successful recovery.

PTSD and SUD in Veterans:

There is a strong link between co-occurring PTSD and SUD. This is true in both civilian and military populations, as well as for both men & women.

The following is true for Veterans:

War Veterans with PTSD and alcohol problems tend to be binge drinkers. Binges may be in response to bad memories of combat trauma.

The number of Veterans who smoke is almost double for those with PTSD versus those without a PTSD diagnosis.

In the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning soldiers seen in VA have a problem with drinking or other drugs.

Those who have both PTSD and SUD likely also have the following:

  • Health problems, such as physical pain.
  • Relationship problems with family and friends.
  • Problems with daily functioning, such as keeping a job or staying in school.
  • It is important to know that treatment can help and you are not alone.
Like The Holistic Counseling Center of Long Island on Facebook