Psychological trauma and PTSD
Psychological trauma can result from a variety of life experiences, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, car accidents, being robbed or assaulted, workplace accidents, natural disasters, or the death of someone significant. Some people face a much higher risk of psychological trauma because of the nature of their occupation, including war veterans, law enforcement personnel and emergency responders.
Our brains are designed to respond to external signals, and that allows us to learn and survive. However, it's also why trauma can actually damage structures and processes in the brain. Research shows that trauma causes neurochemical changes in the brain, as shown by symptoms such as elevated heart rate, changes in blood pressure, changes in norepinephrine and epinephrine levels, and the storage of emotional memories and behaviors associated with fear and anxiety.
Fortunately, our brains are hard-wired to heal -- and this capability is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment." (Medicine.net) In other words, despite the changes that a traumatic event may have caused to the brain, it is possible to reverse them. The brain wants to heal. The right treatment can help you do that.
Our brains are designed to respond to external signals, and that allows us to learn and survive. However, it's also why trauma can actually damage structures and processes in the brain. Research shows that trauma causes neurochemical changes in the brain, as shown by symptoms such as elevated heart rate, changes in blood pressure, changes in norepinephrine and epinephrine levels, and the storage of emotional memories and behaviors associated with fear and anxiety.
Fortunately, our brains are hard-wired to heal -- and this capability is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or to changes in their environment." (Medicine.net) In other words, despite the changes that a traumatic event may have caused to the brain, it is possible to reverse them. The brain wants to heal. The right treatment can help you do that.
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To make an appointment or discuss options for counseling
contact Norm Stein, LCSW at (757) 376-0191.
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For your convenience, appointments are available from 06:00 am - 8:00 pm. If you need to be seen immediately, a session can be scheduled within 24 hours of your call.
Messages and voice mail are checked regularly during the day and in the early evening. However, in an emergency, please call 911 and/or visit the closest hospital emergency room for psychiatric evaluation and acute intervention.
COMPASS for Counseling is located at:
900 Commonwealth Place
Suite 226
Virginia Beach, VA 23464
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Disclaimer: This website, www.compassforcounseling.com, is designed for informational purposes only. The medical information appearing on this site is intended to provide general consumer understanding of the healthcare topics included here. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, call, or consultation with a physician. This website does not make recommendations regarding management of any individual’s health problems. This website does not promote or recommend any specific forms of medical or psychiatric treatment.Norm Stein, LCSW is not liable for damages arising from use of information obtained through this website or the linked sites. Any or all of the linked sites may contain proprietary material and may be protected under the U.S. copyright laws. Permission to reprint or electronically produce any document or graphic requires prior written consent from the copyright holder.
