Trauma Counseling

Puts You Back In Control
When You Feel Out Of Control!

It is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience emotional aftershocks when they have passed through a horrible event. Sometimes the emotional aftershock (or stress reactions) appear immediately after the traumatic event. Sometimes they may appear a few hours or a few days later. And, in some cases, weeks or months may pass before the stress reactions appear.

The signs and symptoms of a stress reaction may last a few days, a few weeks, or a few months and occasionally longer, depending on the severity of the traumatic event. With understanding and the support of loved ones or significant others, the stress reactions usually pass more quickly. Occasionally the traumatic event is so painful that professional assistance from a counselor may be necessary. This does not imply craziness or weakness. It simply indicates that the particular traumatic event was just too powerful for the person to manage by himself or herself.

Here are some very common signs and symptoms of a stress reaction:

PHYSICAL Nausea, Upset stomach, Tremors (lips, hands), Feeling uncoordinated, Profuse sweating, Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Chest pain (should be checked at hospital), Rapid heart beat, Rapid breathing, Increased blood pressure, Headaches, Muscle aches, Sleep disturbance. 

COGNITIVE Slowed thinking, Difficulty making decisions, Difficulty in problem solving, Confusion Disorientation (especially to place and time), Difficulty calculating, Difficulty concentrating, Memory problems, Difficulty naming common objects, Seeing the event over and over, Distressing dreams, Poor attention span. 

EMOTIONAL Anxiety, Fear, Guilt, Grief, Depression, Feeling lost, Feeling abandoned, Feeling isolated, Worry about others, Wanting to hide, Wanting to limit contact with others, Anger, Irritability, Feeling numb, Startled, Shocked. 

If the symptoms described above are severe or if they last longer than six weeks, the person may need professional counseling.

Helpful hints as you start trauma counseling:

• Rest a bit more. Contact friends

• Fight against boredom. Physical activity is often helpful

• Re-establish a normal schedule as soon as possible

• Express your feelings as they arise

• Talk to people who love and care about you

• Have someone stay with you for at least a few hours or days

• Recurring thoughts, dreams or flashbacks are normal - don't try to fight them - they'll decrease over time and become less painful

• Maintain as normal a schedule as possible

• Eat well-balanced and regular meals (even when you don't feel like it)

• Try to keep a reasonable level of activity. Find a good counselor if the feelings become prolonged or too intense!

And here's the good news - You CAN succeed with trauma counseling even if you are a COMPLETE beginner!

All you need is the know-how and guidance...

Karen Gosling conducts confidential, face-to-face individual consultations by appointment in her counseling rooms.

To review Gosling International's Counseling Fees - CLICK HERE

Here's what you'll receive when you start trauma counseling with Karen Gosling:

Click on the "Order Now" link below to Register and Pay Counseling Charges Online and start Trauma Counseling today!