Understanding Trauma
Trauma is something many children, teens, and adults experience at some point in their lives. While reactions to stressful events are normal, sometimes those experiences can have a lasting impact on how a person feels, thinks, and functions day to day. Understanding trauma—and how it shows up—can help families recognize when additional support may be needed and when treatment can make a meaningful difference.
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While many people have short-term reactions to trauma, PTSD occurs when symptoms are persistent, distressing, and interfere with daily functioning.
PTSD can affect children, teens, and adults, and may impact areas such as home life, school, work, and relationships.
Common symptoms may include:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the event
- Nightmares or sleep disturbances
- Ongoing anxiety or feeling “on edge”
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
- Changes in mood, behavior, or appetite
For parents, PTSD in children may look like increased irritability, withdrawal, regression, school difficulties, or heightened fearfulness.
While many individuals gradually recover after a traumatic experience, PTSD is considered when symptoms persist for months (or longer), worsen over time, or significantly disrupt functioning.
The good news is that PTSD is highly treatable, and early intervention can help reduce symptoms and support recovery.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms typically begin within one month of a traumatic event, but in some cases, they may appear months or even years later.
Symptoms are generally grouped into four categories:
- Intrusive Symptoms
Recurrent, unwanted memories, flashbacks, or nightmares related to the trauma - Avoidance
Avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, places, or situations that remind the individual of the event - Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood
Persistent negative emotions (e.g., fear, guilt, shame), difficulty experiencing positive emotions, or changes in beliefs about oneself or others - Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions
Being easily startled, feeling constantly on guard, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or sleep disturbances
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time. When left untreated, PTSD can significantly impact daily life—but with the right support, individuals can process the trauma and regain a sense of safety and control.
Treatment for PTSD
There are highly effective, evidence-based treatments available for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). At Mid Island Psychology Associates, we use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approaches, including Exposure-Based Therapies, which are considered the gold standard for trauma treatment.
Two of the most well-established treatments for PTSD include:
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations they have been avoiding. Over time, this reduces fear and helps the brain process the trauma in a healthier way. - Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
A cognitive-based treatment that focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma (e.g., guilt, shame, or distorted thinking), helping individuals develop more balanced and adaptive perspectives.
Exposure-based treatment helps individuals gradually and safely process traumatic experiences while reducing avoidance and distress. Therapy is always conducted in a structured, supportive environment, with careful pacing to ensure that individuals feel safe and in control throughout the process.
Treatment is personalized based on each individual’s needs, symptoms, and readiness. Our clinicians may incorporate different types of exposure techniques, including:
- Imaginal Exposure
Therapist-guided processing of the traumatic experience using structured mental imagery - In-Vivo Exposure (Real-Life Practice)
Gradual, supported exposure to real-world situations that have been avoided due to trauma-related fear - Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET)
Use of computer-generated environments to simulate feared situations in a controlled setting
In addition to trauma-focused therapies, treatment may also include strategies to address anxiety, mood, and coping skills, helping individuals regain a sense of safety, confidence, and control.
For children and teens, treatment often includes parent involvement and collaboration, ensuring that skills are reinforced at home and across settings.
With the right treatment, individuals with PTSD can experience meaningful relief from symptoms and return to living a more engaged and fulfilling life.