It can be hard to realize you need help—and even harder to reach out for it. Know that you are not alone and that professional counseling has helped millions of people move beyond trauma to live better, more fulfilling lives. Meeting with a therapist can help you, too. Here are just a few of the myriad reasons to consider counseling.  

3 Reasons to Consider Counseling

1. You Think You Might Have PTSD

Many people associate post-traumatic stress disorder with veterans returning from a war zone. While it’s true that it’s an issue among this population, PTSD can also occur after sexual, physical, or emotional abuse or any dangerous event. If you find yourself re-experiencing a traumatic event, avoiding loved ones and social activities, or experiencing emotional numbness, you could benefit from PTSD counseling. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique has helped veterans and civilians alike heal from traumatic events alongside traditional talk therapy.

2. You Experienced Childhood Trauma or Abuse

Childhood trauma can affect people for a lifetime. Whether they experienced abuse at the hands of a relative or went through a traumatic event, our childhood experiences can shape our adult lives in ways we may not realize. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that raises your awareness of inaccurate or negative thinking and guides you to respond effectively. You can read more about childhood trauma in Bessel van der Kolk’s illuminated book: The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.

3. Anxiety Is Preventing You From Living Your Life

If picking up the phone to make a call, spending time with friends, or simply getting through your workday is a struggle because of anxiety, it’s time to seek counseling. A licensed counselor can help you develop techniques to get through your day as well as address the underlying trauma at the root of your anxiety. Somatic Experiencing is a holistic, scientific, body-oriented approach to healing trauma that was developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. In his book Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Dr. Levine talks about the symptoms of trauma and the steps he recommends to healing.  

Counseling can help you overcome the symptoms of trauma and abuse and empower you to live a better life. Reach out to a licensed counselor today to begin your journey to healing.

Colleen Torrence, MEd, LPC in Juneau, AK, is a family counselor who helps people reclaim their lives from depression, post-traumatic stress, and mood disorders. She treats individuals, couples, and families with compassion and expertise. If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t wait to seek counseling. Call Colleen today at (907) 789-9212 or contact her online.