PTSD Therapy in Chicago
Letting Go of the Pain with Trauma Therapy
Pain may be inevitable, but it doesn’t have to stay with us. If you or one of your loved ones is experiencing distress from a shocking or hurtful event, you are likely suffering from trauma. Fortunately, letting go of pain is not only possible – it’s within reach. Our Chicago PTSD therapy and trauma therapy services are available to help you or your loved ones get the help you need.
Trauma is not uncommon within the Latinx community. A study shows that a shocking 61% of all Hispanic youths who were sampled experienced at least one traumatic event in their lives. This means there is a lot of untreated pain present within our community.
If you or a loved one has experienced trauma, now is the time to heal. Call (312) 620-7551 and speak to a Chicago trauma and PTSD therapy specialist.
What are Trauma & PTSD?
Trauma is a response to a deeply stressful or painful event that proves challenging to cope with. Victims of trauma are left feeling helpless, insecure, and scared, often keeping them isolated from the world around them.
Big “T” & Little “t” Trauma
Most of us associate trauma with distressing events such as natural disasters or war. However, any harrowing event that falls outside of a normal human experience can be considered trauma. Those who have experienced trauma are at high risk of developing substance abuse or addiction disorders, so it is important to understand the significant health implications of trauma.
Trauma falls into two main categories, commonly referred to as Big “T” and little “t.” Big “T” trauma is most commonly associated with PTSD and includes serious injury, sexual violence, or life-threatening events. Threats of physical harm, sexual violence, or death can cause severe trauma even if the individual was never physically harmed. People who witness Big “T” events or those living or working close to trauma survivors can also suffer from PTSD, especially people who encounter emotional shock regularly like police officers, paramedics, and therapists.
Little “t” traumas are distressing experiences that affect people on a personal level but don’t fit into the big “T” category. Examples of little “t” trauma include verbal or emotional abuse, non-life-threatening injuries, the death of a pet, harassment, bullying, and the loss of close relationships. Individuals have their own capacities to handle stress which directly impacts their ability to cope with trauma. What is highly upsetting to one individual may not cause the same emotional response in another individual, so the key to understanding little “t” trauma is to focus on how it affects the person rather than center on the actual event.
PTSD
The DSM-5 criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder include direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event. This exposure is followed by symptoms in the following four categories:
- Intrusion
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in mood and thoughts
- Changes in reactivity and arousal
When the trauma is severe enough, the negative effects may stick around longer, causing extended periods of distress. In these cases, trauma is referred to as “post-traumatic stress disorder” and is often known by its acronym, “PTSD.”
The Signs & Symptoms of Trauma & PTSD
Trauma and PTSD can cause emotional, psychological, and physical effects that impact our daily lives. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be beneficial to speak with a PTSD therapist in Chicago.
Emotional & psychological effects of trauma:
- Flashbacks
- Feeling of numbness
- Sadness, depression, and hopelessness
- Anxiousness
- Agitation
- Fear
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of shock, denial, or disbelief
- Self-blaming
- Feeling ashamed
- Anger
- Mood swings
Physical effects of trauma:
- Aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Accelerated heart rate
- Panic attacks
Treating Trauma & PTSD Through Chicago CBT Therapy
At Latinx Talk Therapy, we treat trauma at its core using cognitive behavioral therapy, also known as CBT. Our experienced talk therapists will assist you in gaining safe passage back to feeling calm, confident, and free from the struggles that the trauma caused.
During your Chicago cognitive behavioral therapy sessions, our talk therapists will focus on your patterns of thinking and the relationship they have with your current feelings and behaviors. We will utilize proven and effective treatments such as mindfulness, narrative therapy, and cognitive reframing – giving you the tools you need to get back on track!
PTSD Therapy in Chicago
If left untreated, PTSD can quickly get out of control, impacting every aspect of the lives of those suffering from it. From negatively impacting your career to your relationships, PTSD can isolate you from your surroundings – and even your true self.
During treatment, the fear and insecurity will slowly leave you. Everyday life won’t be as difficult anymore, and you will once again feel at peace. Little by little, you will feel as if you have walked out of darkness and back into the sunshine, bringing those feelings of joy and serenity back into your life.
Overcome Trauma by Setting Goals with Our Talk Therapists
The Latinx community is tough. It’s in our collective spirit. But we do not always have to go it alone.
As part of our promise to deliver you back to health, our individualized trauma therapy programs will help you implement goals from the get-go. Focusing on these objectives will set you on a path toward long-lasting recovery. And before you know it, you will be back spending time doing the things that really matter.
Know you don’t have to deal with trauma all on your own. Reach out to us so we can help you set goals to get you through the pain. We have bilingual trauma therapy and PTSD therapy services in Chicago available for the Latinx community. Call (312) 620-7551 to speak to one of our experienced and compassionate Latinx trauma therapists.
Conquer Your Trauma with Chicago PTSD Therapy
Don’t let anything keep you from getting the help you need to feel better. Therapy is the arm that can pull you out from under the weight of your trauma. If you’ve experienced stressful, fearful, or otherwise devastating events, reach out to us right away.
Our leading PTSD therapists in Chicago are here to help you heal from past trauma. Choose Latinx Talk Therapy to help you move beyond the trauma and regain control of your life.
Call (312) 620-7551 or reach out to us online to speak to a Chicago PTSD therapist – one who can help you free yourself from the pains and struggles caused by trauma.