PTSD & Trauma Treatment in Charlotte

Trauma can have lasting effects that touch every aspect of your life: your relationships, work, physical health, and sense of safety in the world. We understand that healing from trauma takes time, compassion, and specialized care.

Our trauma-informed approach provides a safe space for processing difficult experiences while helping you reclaim your strength and build a fulfilling life beyond trauma.

Understanding Trauma and PTSD

Trauma occurs when someone experiences or witnesses an event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. However, trauma is not just about what happened, it’s about how these experiences affect your mind and body. People can develop trauma responses from a single incident or from repeated exposure to distressing events.

Types of experiences that can cause trauma:

  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Car accidents or other serious accidents
  • Natural disasters
  • Combat or war experiences
  • Childhood abuse or neglect
  • Domestic violence
  • Medical trauma or life-threatening illness
  • Witnessing violence or death
  • Community violence or crime
  • Sudden loss of loved ones

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a specific condition that can develop after traumatic experiences. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but when it does occur, it significantly impacts daily functioning and quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma and PTSD

Trauma affects people differently, and symptoms can appear immediately after an event or sometimes weeks, months, or even years later.

Re-experiencing Symptoms

Intrusive Memories:

  • Unwanted, distressing memories of the traumatic event
  • Vivid flashbacks that make you feel like the trauma is happening again
  • Nightmares or disturbing dreams related to the trauma
  • Severe emotional distress when reminded of the event
  • Physical reactions (sweating, rapid heartbeat) when something reminds you of the trauma

Triggers:

  • Certain sounds, smells, or sights that bring back traumatic memories
  • Anniversary dates of traumatic events
  • News stories or movies that relate to your trauma
  • Places or people associated with the traumatic experience

Avoidance Symptoms

Avoiding Reminders:

  • Staying away from places, people, or activities that remind you of the trauma
  • Avoiding talking or thinking about the traumatic event
  • Refusing to discuss what happened or how you’re feeling
  • Changing your routine to avoid potential triggers
  • Isolating yourself from others to avoid difficult conversations

Emotional Avoidance:

  • Feeling disconnected from your emotions
  • Inability to experience positive emotions like happiness or love
  • Feeling numb or emotionally “shut down”
  • Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
  • Feeling detached from friends and family

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood

Distorted Thoughts:

  • Negative beliefs about yourself (“I’m permanently damaged”)
  • Negative beliefs about the world (“Nowhere is safe”)
  • Distorted blame of yourself or others for the trauma
  • Persistent negative emotional state (fear, horror, anger, guilt, shame)
  • Feeling hopeless about the future

Memory Problems:

  • Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feeling confused or disoriented
  • Problems with short-term memory

Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions

Hypervigilance:

  • Being constantly on guard for danger
  • Exaggerated startle response (jumping at sudden noises)
  • Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
  • Irritability and anger outbursts
  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior

Physical Symptoms:

  • Chronic fatigue or exhaustion
  • Headaches or body pain
  • Digestive problems
  • Rapid heartbeat or breathing
  • Muscle tension or trembling

Complex Trauma and Childhood Trauma

Some people experience complex trauma, often resulting from repeated traumatic experiences, especially in childhood:

Signs of complex trauma may include:

  • Difficulty regulating emotions
  • Problems with self-esteem and identity
  • Relationship difficulties and trust issues
  • Feeling disconnected from your body
  • Difficulty setting boundaries with others
  • Patterns of unhealthy relationships
  • Substance use as a coping mechanism

How Trauma Affects Daily Life

Trauma can impact many areas of functioning:

Relationships:

  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Fear of intimacy or getting close to people
  • Conflict in relationships due to trauma responses
  • Isolation and withdrawal from social connections
  • Difficulty communicating needs and feelings

Work and School:

  • Problems with concentration and memory
  • Difficulty completing tasks or meeting deadlines
  • Absenteeism due to symptoms
  • Conflict with coworkers or classmates
  • Decreased performance and motivation

Physical Health:

  • Sleep disturbances and nightmares
  • Chronic pain or tension
  • Digestive issues
  • Weakened immune system
  • Substance use to cope with symptoms

Mental Health:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness
  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm behaviors
  • Development of other mental health conditions

Trauma-Informed Care at Anuvia

At Anuvia, we use a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes your safety, choice, and empowerment throughout the healing process.

Our trauma-informed principles include:

Safety: Creating a physical and emotional environment where you feel secure and protected.

Trustworthiness: Being transparent about our processes and maintaining clear, consistent communication.

Choice: Ensuring you have meaningful choices in your treatment and recovery process.

Collaboration: Working with you as a partner in your healing journey.

Empowerment: Focusing on your strengths and resilience while building new skills.

Evidence-Based Trauma Treatments

Our team uses proven therapeutic approaches specifically designed for trauma recovery:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Helps you process traumatic memories while changing unhelpful thought patterns and developing healthy coping skills.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses bilateral stimulation to help process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Gradually helps you face trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations in a safe, controlled way.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Focuses on how trauma has affected your thoughts and beliefs about yourself and the world.

Somatic Approaches: Address how trauma is stored in the body, helping you reconnect with physical sensations in a safe way.

Comprehensive Trauma Treatment Services

Individual Therapy: One-on-one sessions with therapists specially trained in trauma treatment, providing personalized care that respects your pace and needs.

Group Therapy: Trauma-focused groups that provide peer support and reduce isolation while learning coping skills with others who understand.

Family Therapy: When appropriate, helping family members understand trauma and learn how to provide supportive environments for healing.

Medical Support: Evaluation and treatment of physical symptoms related to trauma, including sleep problems, chronic pain, or other health concerns.

Crisis Support: Immediate assistance during difficult moments, including safety planning and 24/7 crisis resources.

Telehealth Options: Virtual appointments available for those who feel safer receiving treatment from home or have transportation challenges.

What to Expect in Trauma Treatment

Safety and Stabilization: Early treatment focuses on helping you feel safe and developing basic coping skills for managing symptoms.

Trauma Processing: When you’re ready, carefully working through traumatic memories with your therapist in a safe, controlled environment.

Integration and Growth: Helping you integrate your healing and build a meaningful life that’s not defined by your traumatic experiences.

Ongoing Support: Trauma recovery is often a long-term process, and we provide continued support as you continue to heal and grow.

Building Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth

While trauma can have devastating effects, healing is possible. Many people not only recover from trauma but experience post-traumatic growth—positive changes that come from working through difficult experiences:

  • Deeper, more meaningful relationships
  • Greater appreciation for life
  • Increased personal strength and resilience
  • Enhanced spiritual development
  • New possibilities and life directions

Supporting Your Healing Journey

Self-Care Strategies:

  • Developing healthy daily routines
  • Practicing grounding techniques when triggered
  • Building a support network of trusted people
  • Engaging in activities that bring joy and meaning
  • Taking care of your physical health

Safety Planning:

  • Identifying triggers and early warning signs
  • Developing coping strategies for difficult moments
  • Creating safe spaces at home and work
  • Building support systems for crisis moments

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

Seeking help for trauma takes tremendous courage. At Anuvia, we honor that courage by providing compassionate, specialized care that respects your unique experience and supports your healing journey at your own pace.

Remember that healing from trauma is possible. You deserve to live a life free from the ongoing effects of traumatic experiences, and you don’t have to face this journey alone.

Ready to begin your healing journey? Call us today at (704) 376-7447 or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Same-day appointments are often available, and we offer both in-person and telehealth options. Your healing and recovery are possible with the right support and specialized care.