What Is PTSD? Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Types of Trauma

Trauma can leave deep marks on our minds and bodies long after the event is over. For some people, these impacts develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—a condition that affects how you think, feel, and function after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.

As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in trauma-focused therapy for adults, I understand how trauma affects each person differently and believe deeply that healing is possible through evidence-based, personalized care.

What Is PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can overwhelm your usual coping resources, leaving your brain and body stuck in a state of hyperarousal or emotional shutdown.

PTSD Symptoms Include:

Re-experiencing the Trauma:

• Intrusive memories and flashbacks

• Recurring nightmares related to the traumatic event

• Severe emotional distress when exposed to trauma reminders

• Physical reactions to situations that remind you of the trauma

  
  

Avoidance Behaviors:

• Avoiding trauma-related thoughts, feelings, or memories

• Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind you of the event

• Emotional numbing and feeling detached from others

  
  

Negative Changes in Thoughts and Mood:

• Persistent negative beliefs about yourself or the world

• Distorted thoughts about the cause or consequences of the trauma

• Persistent feelings of fear, horror, guilt, shame, or anger

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

  
  

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions:

• Being easily startled or frightened

• Hypervigilance and always being on guard for danger

• Irritability, anger outbursts, or aggressive behavior

• Self-destructive or reckless behavior

• Problems with concentration and sleep

  
  

PTSD symptoms vary from person to person and can begin soon after trauma or sometimes emerge months or years later.

Types of Trauma That Can Lead to PTSD

Trauma affects people in unique ways, and understanding different types can help normalize your experience. Common trauma experiences include:

Single-Event Trauma

One-time traumatic events such as:

• Motor vehicle accidents

• Natural disasters

• Physical or sexual assault

• Sudden loss of a loved one

• Medical emergencies or serious illness

Repeated or Complex Trauma

Ongoing or repeated traumatic experiences such as:

• Childhood abuse or neglect

• Domestic violence

• Workplace harassment or bullying

• Chronic medical conditions

Military and Combat Trauma

Service members and veterans may experience:

• Combat exposure and life-threatening situations

• Military sexual trauma (MST)

• Moral injury from witnessing or participating in events that conflict with personal values

• Adjustment challenges during military transitions

Medical Trauma

Health-related traumatic experiences including:

• Life-threatening illness diagnosis

• Intensive medical procedures or surgeries

• Traumatic brain injury

• Medical complications or emergencies

Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

Those who work with trauma survivors or witness others' trauma may develop symptoms from:

• Repeated exposure to others' traumatic experiences

• Working in high-stress helping professions

• Caring for family members with serious illness or trauma

Evidence-Based PTSD Treatment: My Specialized Approach

Recovery from PTSD is absolutely possible through proven, evidence-based therapeutic interventions. My approach combines specialized trauma treatments with a mind-body perspective that honors the whole person.

Specialized Trauma Therapies I Provide:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) As a certified CPT provider, I use this highly effective, structured approach to help you examine and modify trauma-related thoughts and beliefs that keep you stuck. CPT helps you develop a more balanced, realistic understanding of the traumatic event and its impact on your life.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) As a certified PE consultant, I provide this gold-standard treatment that involves gradual, controlled exposure to trauma memories and avoided situations. PE helps reduce the power these memories and situations hold over your life, allowing you to reclaim activities and experiences that matter to you.

CBT for Insomnia (CBT-i) As a certified CBT-i provider, I address sleep difficulties that commonly accompany PTSD and other trauma responses. Quality sleep is essential for healing and overall mental health.

Comprehensive Care for Trauma and Related Concerns

My practice addresses the full spectrum of trauma-related experiences and their impact on daily life:

• Trauma & PTSD - Processing traumatic experiences and reducing PTSD symptoms

• Anxiety, Panic, and Stress - Managing anxiety disorders and stress responses

• Grief & Loss - Supporting you through loss and bereavement

• Sleep Difficulties - Addressing trauma-related sleep problems

• Life Transitions & Identity Shifts - Navigating major life changes and transitions

Flexible, Accessible Therapy Through Telehealth

I provide individual therapy through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth services across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

My Therapeutic Approach:

• Collaborative and personalized - Therapy tailored to your unique needs and goals

• Evidence-based - Using proven treatments with strong research support

• Values-focused - Helping you reconnect with what matters most to you

• Flexible scheduling - Working with your schedule and life demands

• Safe, confidential space - Creating security for processing difficult experiences

  
  

When Trauma Affects Your Daily Life

You don't have to struggle with trauma symptoms alone. Whether you're dealing with recent traumatic experiences or addressing trauma from years past, specialized therapy can help you:

• Process traumatic memories safely and effectively

• Reduce intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks

• Manage anxiety, panic, and hypervigilance

• Improve sleep quality and concentration

• Reconnect with relationships and activities you value

• Build resilience and post-traumatic growth

• Develop healthy coping strategies for managing triggers

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Reaching out for help takes courage, and it's often the most important step in your healing journey. Trauma therapy provides a secure, confidential space to process your experiences at your own pace while building the skills and resilience needed for recovery.

If PTSD or trauma symptoms are interfering with your relationships, work, sleep, or overall quality of life, evidence-based treatment can make a significant difference. Healing looks different for everyone, and together we can find the approach that works best for you.

Learn more about PTSD at the National Center for PTSD website

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how trauma-focused therapy can support your recovery and help you reclaim your life. I'm here to answer your questions and help you understand how treatment might look for your specific situation.