Woman hiding, her eyes crying because of trauma

Trauma & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Trauma is an emotional response to a negative event or series of events. When most people think of the word “trauma,” they typically think of a one-time acute event (sometimes referred to as a “Big T Trauma”), such as an accident, natural disaster, school shooting, or other violent or scary incident. It is true that veterans, first responders (such as paramedics, police, or firefighters), and people of any age who have experienced sexual assault, serious injury, or exposure to violence or death are at risk for developing symptoms of trauma which interfere with daily functioning. However, it is also important to understand that people can also be traumatized from on-going “small t trauma” incidents. Examples of ongoing “small t traumas” include bullying, emotional abuse, domestic violence, ongoing illness, addiction, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, or other situation where a person feels chronically stressed or afraid for their safety. Unhealthy relationships in which a partner is betrayed, abused, or emotionally manipulated may also cause trauma.

Examples of Traumatic Events

  • Pandemics such as Covid-19

  • Illness

  • Grief, loss of someone or something

  • Job Loss

  • Abuse (sexually, physically, mentally and/or emotionally)

  • Witnessing an accident

  • Caregiving

  • Chronic Stress

  • Addiction

  • Natural disasters (such as earthquake, flood, tornado)

  • Man-made disasters (such as bombings)

  • Violent person attacks (such as mugging, kidnap or being held captive)

  • Shock Trauma

  • Car Accident

Many people experience stressful or even traumatic experiences in life, but for some, the impact of the event or events continues to affect them negatively for months or even years. This may especially be true for veterans, first responders (such as paramedics, police, or firefighters), or people of any age who have experienced sexual assault, serious injury, or exposure to violence or death.

Individuals who struggle to return to a healthy level of functioning after a traumatic event or repeated events may be diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD occurs in about 8% of the general population and about 30% in those who are employed as first responders or military. PTSD can affect just about every aspect of a person’s life, including their work, their health, and their relationships. It can cause sleep disturbances which impair daily functioning. Individuals with PTSD are also at increased risk of suicide.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

  •  PTSD memory loss

  • Intrusive memories of the event(s)

  • Recurring nightmares or dreams

  •  Sleep problems

  • Intense levels of emotional distress (anger, guilt, horror, fear, shame)

  •   Negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself

  • Physical symptoms resulting from distress

  • Hypervigilance and increased startle response

  •  Problems concentrating or remembering things

  •   Self-destructive behavior

Children diagnosed with PTSD

Children who experience PTSD are likely to show symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and distractability. Themes related to the trauma that they experienced or witnessed can also show up in their play. Children whose primary bond with their caregiver is ruptured due to abuse, neglect, or other factor such as parental death or illness may develop attachment trauma. The symptoms of attachment trauma are similar to PTSD and can continue into adulthood. PTSD and memory loss is common in children to not remember their childhood. It is also common for those with attachment trauma or PTSD to develop other co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or alcohol or drug abuse. However, PTSD is not permanent! Our office is near Houston, TX, where we offer trauma counseling utilizing neurofeedback therapy and coming up with a protocol (PTSD treatment) from your brain mapping session.

PTSD Treatment near Houston TX, and Utah County

Whether or not a person meets the specific criteria for a PTSD diagnosis, it is important to seek help from mental health professionals, including a trained trauma therapist, if someone is suffering from any of these symptoms. The good news is that the human brain is very resilient and can heal from traumatic events. In fact, some experts estimate that 50% of people who develop PTSD will have a complete recovery within three months. Evidence-based treatments are available for those seeking relief from PTSD symptoms.

How does Neurofeedback help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Trauma effects on the brain can be evident in individuals with PTSD. For example, they may have trouble filtering out irrelevant information and paying attention to what's happening in the here and now. If PTSD has impacted their brainwave activity, their theta brainwaves are likely to be heightened, meaning they are calm or relaxed when they should be focused or alert.

The most common treatment or protocol for someone with PTSD is the Alpha-Theta. This treatment aims to bring balance to the brain and ideal amplification and frequency of alpha and theta brainwaves. A 1991 study had one of the best outcomes recorded for PTSD. The neurofeedback group had a significant reduction in their PTSD symptoms, as well as in physical complaints, depression, anxiety, and paranoia (Peniston & Kulkosky, 1991).

One study reported a 46% symptom reduction posttreatment and 51% symptom reduction at the one-month follow-up (compared with reductions of 13% posttreatment and 14% at one-month follow-up in control). At 1-month follow-up, 58% (11/19) of neurofeedback patients showed remission as compared with only 11% (2/19) of controls (Van der Kolk et al., 2016). (See our Research page for more).

The good news is that the human brain is very resilient and can heal from traumatic events, and PTSD is not permanent! Today, there are evidence-based treatments available for those seeking relief from PTSD symptoms. At the ADHD and Neurofeedback Center, we have professionals trained to administer brain mapping alongside with neurofeedback training sessions. It is possible to make a full recovery from PTSD symptoms and enjoy normal life again. Please, feel free to contact our non-judgmental PTSD therapists. We are here to help you work through this especially when PTSD gets worse. We are located next door to Houston in Kemah, Texas, in the same area as the Kemah Board Walk.

Trauma Therapy Options for you near Houston TX, Kemah & The Woodlands, and Utah County

Our greatest desire at ADHD and Neurofeedback is to help each feel comfortable and hopeful about their therapy process. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. We also offer a free consultation to help assess how therapy can benefit you and help you to feel peace and happiness again.