As an EMDR therapist in Houston, TX, I understand how overwhelming and isolating it can be to navigate when you have been through a traumatic experience. Going through a traumatic event can stop you in your tracks. It can disrupt your ability to think straight, to feel safe, to connect with other people. You may find yourself close to panic at unexpected or inconvenient times. It may be difficult to sleep and eat normally. You just don’t feel like your old resilient self.
Finding the right support and resources is crucial for healing. In this blog post, I’ll share some trauma resources that are available in Houston which can help you get back to you. These resources include different types of therapy, support groups, crisis hotlines, and organizations dedicated to helping you heal from trauma.
Understanding Trauma and EMDR Therapy
Before diving into the resources, it's important to understand how trauma impacts mental health and how EMDR therapy can help help. Trauma can result from a variety of experiences, including abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or loss. It can have long-lasting effects on emotional and physical well-being. Some people are surprised to learn trauma can come from something they consider “no big deal” as well, like being yelled at as a kid. Something like that can cause you to feel unsafe in relationships and not trust yourself.
Examples of Trauma
Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, each affecting individuals differently based on their personal history, coping mechanisms, and support systems. Here are some common examples of trauma:
1. Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves deliberate harm or injury inflicted on an individual. This can include hitting, slapping, burning, or any other form of physical violence. The trauma from physical abuse can lead to long-lasting emotional and psychological scars.
2. Sexual Abuse or Assault
Sexual abuse or assault refers to any unwanted sexual activity, often involving force, coercion, or manipulation. Survivors of sexual abuse may experience profound and lasting trauma that affects their sense of safety, trust, and self-worth.
3. Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse includes behaviors that harm an individual's self-esteem or mental well-being, such as constant criticism, manipulation, verbal aggression, or isolation. This type of abuse can be as damaging as physical abuse, leading to long-term mental health issues.
4. Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide necessary care, supervision, affection, or support. This can result in significant physical and emotional harm, particularly in children, who rely on caregivers for their basic needs and emotional development.
5. Witnessing Domestic Violence
Children or adults who witness domestic violence within their homes often experience trauma. The fear, helplessness, and anxiety from witnessing violence can have lasting effects on their mental health and development.
6. Accidents and Natural Disasters
Experiencing or witnessing a severe accident, such as a car crash, or a natural disaster, like a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, can be traumatic. The sudden and often life-threatening nature of these events can lead to intense fear, helplessness, and long-term psychological effects.
Living in Houston, we are no strangers to natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey that rocked our community and caused a lot of trauma. The effect of storm after storm has a layered effect that is greater than the sum of it’s parts. I bet many of you reading this know exactly what I mean and feel the dread when you look at the weather reports during storm season.
7. Combat and War-Related Trauma
Military personnel and civilians in war zones may experience combat-related trauma. This includes direct exposure to life-threatening situations, witnessing violence, and the constant stress and fear associated with war. Combat-related trauma is often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
8. Medical Trauma
Medical trauma can result from serious illness, injury, or invasive medical procedures. The experience of intense pain, fear of death, or prolonged hospital stays can be traumatic, particularly for children or those with pre-existing anxiety about medical settings.
9. Loss and Grief
The death of a loved one, particularly if sudden or violent, can be profoundly traumatic. Grief-related trauma can disrupt an individual's emotional stability, leading to prolonged periods of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
10. Bullying and Harassment
Persistent bullying or harassment, whether in person or online, can cause significant emotional and psychological trauma. Victims of bullying may experience feelings of shame, isolation, and a decreased sense of self-worth.
11. Community Violence
Exposure to community violence, such as gang-related activities, shootings, or other violent crimes, can be traumatic. The pervasive fear and stress from living in a violent environment can severely impact mental health.
12. Cultural and Historical Trauma
Cultural and historical trauma refers to the collective emotional and psychological injury experienced by a group over generations. Examples include the trauma experienced by Indigenous populations due to colonization, African Americans due to slavery, or Holocaust survivors and their descendants.
13. Childhood Trauma
Any form of abuse, neglect, or distressing experience during childhood can result in childhood trauma. Early traumatic experiences can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health, influencing their development and future relationships.
Effects of Trauma
It's important to understand that trauma is subjective—what is traumatic for one person may not be for another. The impact of trauma can vary widely, but common effects include:
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness.
Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Behavioral Changes: Avoidance of certain places or activities, substance abuse, and difficulties in relationships.
Cognitive Effects: Trouble concentrating, memory problems, and negative beliefs about oneself or the world.
Seeking Help and Healing for trauma in Houston
If you or someone you know is experiencing trauma, seeking professional help is crucial. You may be asking will trauma ever go away? EMDR therapy, along with other therapeutic approaches, can help process and heal from traumatic experiences. In Houston, there are numerous resources and support systems available to guide individuals on their path to recovery.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that has been proven effective in treating trauma. EMDR helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing for healthier coping mechanisms. As an EMDR therapist, I have seen the transformative power of this therapy in helping clients regain control over their lives.
Houston Therapy Resources for trauma
Houston Trauma Support Groups
Support groups offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from others who understand their struggles. Here are a few support groups in Houston:
1. Houston Trauma Recovery Network
This network provides support groups specifically for trauma survivors. They offer peer-led groups where individuals can share their stories and receive encouragement.
Website: Houston Trauma Recovery Network
2. The Montrose Center
The Montrose Center offers various support groups, including those for trauma survivors, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those dealing with addiction. Their inclusive environment ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported.
Website: The Montrose Center
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Greater Houston
NAMI Greater Houston offers support groups for individuals living with mental health conditions, including trauma. Their groups provide a non-judgmental space to discuss challenges and share coping strategies.
Website: NAMI Greater Houston
Houston Trauma Crisis Hotlines
In times of crisis, immediate support is essential. These hotlines offer 24/7 assistance for individuals experiencing severe distress:
1. Crisis Intervention of Houston
Crisis Intervention of Houston provides a confidential hotline for those in emotional distress. Trained volunteers are available to offer support and resources.
Hotline: 713-HOTLINE (713-468-5463)
Website: Crisis Intervention of Houston
2. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers 24/7 support for individuals in crisis. Counselors provide confidential support and connect callers to local resources.
Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Website: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
3. The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
The Harris Center provides crisis services, including a 24/7 hotline and mobile crisis outreach team. They offer immediate support and can connect individuals to appropriate services.
Hotline: 713-970-7000
Website: The Harris Center
Houston Trauma Community Resources
Houston is home to several organizations dedicated to supporting trauma survivors. These organizations offer various services, from counseling to legal assistance.
1. Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)
HAWC provides comprehensive services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, including counseling, legal advocacy, and shelter services.
Website: HAWC
2. Bo’s Place
Bo’s Place offers free grief support services for children, families, and adults who have experienced the death of a loved one.
Website: Bo’s Place
3. Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse (AVDA)
AVDA offers free legal services and counseling to survivors of domestic abuse. They also provide education and advocacy to prevent violence and support survivors.
Website: AVDA
Moving Forward with Compassion and Support
Recovering from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right resources and support can make all the difference. As a Houston EMDR therapist, We are committed to providing compassionate and effective care online and in-person to my clients.
OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to EMDR Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and PTSD Treatment, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Anxiety Treatment, Couples and Marriage Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, and Infertility Counseling. As well LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Family Therapy, Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.