Everything you need to know about

Trauma

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and others.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is defined as a significantly distressing, disturbing, or threatening event that warrants an severe emotional response. To be more specific, Trauma is anything that causes emotional or physical pain that surpasses an individuals ability to cope adaptatively. This can either be a single traumatic event or chronic trauma such as abuse and manipulation. It is important to know that trauma is subjective in a sense that everyone reacts differently to a significant stressing event. What may be traumatizing for some may not necessarily be true for others.

What does Trauma look like?

Trauma affects a person by heightening a response that can represent as threat, we call this a trauma response. Trauma response can affect an individual in two ways: psychologically and physically.

Physically: Individuals who have been severely impacted by trauma can show signs of fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, and changes in appetite. Due to the high increase in a stress hormone called “cortisol” this can show further into someone’s life such as in appetite, sleep, and day to day energy.

Psychologically: This can show of as recurring intrusive thoughts of the trauma itself either in a form of flashbacks, unwanted thoughts or nightmares; hypervigilance and being on the edge of any resemblance of threat; avoidance of certain places, people or triggering situations; and emotional dysregulation, like getting angry easily irritated, or feeling hopeless.

Effective treatments for Trauma. 

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

The golden standard of the treatment for trauma is an approach called Trauma-Focused CBT. This has been shown to be effective in cases of both acute and chronic PTSD.

TF-CBT is an approach that addresses trauma through the following:

Prolonged Exposure (PE): PE helps individuals gradually confront memories and triggers associated with the trauma in a safe and controlled environment. By repeatedly revisiting these memories, the emotional intensity associated with them gradually diminishes.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that can stem from trauma. By restructuring these thought patterns, individuals can develop a more empowering and realistic perspective on their experience.

Other Modern Approach to treating Trauma: EMDR / SIT

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (back-and-forth eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while the individual recalls traumatic memories. This technique is believed to help reprocess the trauma and reduce its emotional impact.

Stress Inoculation Training (SIT):

SIT equips individuals with coping skills to manage stress and emotional responses related to trauma. Techniques include relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and communication skills to improve interpersonal relationships.

Learn more about your Trauma with a free call with an ADHOC Therapist

Meet our trauma expert

 
 

Jimmy
Yang

Tap to learn more

I'm Jimmy, and I specialize in helping teens like you find real, actionable solutions for your mental health struggles. No matter how small they seem, these steps can make a huge difference. Together, we'll ditch the confusion, figure out what works for YOU, and help you unlock your inner rockstar.

 

 

How Does Adhoc Therapy Treat ADHD?

Adhoc Therapy’s approach to trauma is holistic, person-centered, and individualized. Understanding trauma and it’s complexity requires a deeply rooted connection with your story and identity. We first foster a safe space to help promote a sense of safety within the room. We will build a system that allows slow introduction of trauma and build a hierarchy in which we can focus on processing those thoughts to promote a new perspective surrounding it. We ultimately promote safety strategies to help de-escalate for when the traumatic stress response becomes highly challenging.

  • While 50-86% of the population will continue to experience symptoms of ADHD, recovery from ADHD is possible. With the right approach and therapeutic focus, one can experience a great deal of relief from managing ADHD.

  • 7 types of ADD (Classic ADHD, Inattentive ADHD, Over-focused ADHD, Temporal Lobe ADHD, Limbic ADHD, and Ring of Fire ADHD),

  • Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is when someone feels intense emotional pain in response to perceived rejection or criticism, often related to ADHD. It can lead to strong emotional reactions, low self-esteem, and avoidance of situations where rejection might occur.

  • ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s).

FAQS

  • Focusing is a complex topic because it requires intrisic motivation, mindset, appropriate rewards/punishment, and organization. However, a great tip to always implement in being able to focus is regulation. Often times, lack of focus is a form of physical or emotional dysregulation. It's hard to focus when you're hungry or heartbroken. To allow focus, you must ensure you are regulated appropriately.

  • Nutrition plays an important role off-stream of ADHD, but it is only part of the story. For example, nutrition can impact ADHD by affecting brain function. Certain foods may worsen symptoms, such having a very high carbohydrate meal that can lead us to feeling tired. While other food that is high in zinc and omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to improve symptoms of ADHD. It would vary from people to people and is wise to consult with your physician.

  • ADHD and anxiety often go hand in hand. ADHD can lead to restlessness and difficulty focusing, which can trigger anxiety. On the other hand, anxiety can make it harder to concentrate, which worsens ADHD symptoms. Managing both conditions through therapy, medication, and coping strategies can lead to better overall well-being.

  • It depends! I would often suggest that this should go hand-in-hand with each other but it depends on ones goals. Therapy may be useful when ADHD comes along with other comorbid diagnosis such as anxiety, depression, or trauma. While others may benefit from just having a coach who can promote accountability, teach tools to increase efficiency, and learn more about their individual capacities.

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