PTSD Counseling NYC: Is Your Trauma Transforming You?

PTSD Counseling NYC: Is Your Trauma Transforming You?

Even if you’ve been supported and processed your trauma experience, you likely know that life afterward isn’t necessarily easy and carefree. That’s okay. Honoring your periods of survival, grief, and your unique process of recovery is part of the journey. It’s part of moving forward in a healthy, meaningful way. 

The reality? Trauma changes you. However, you may not know that those changes don’t have to be perpetually negative. 

Have you ever wondered why some people talk about  “blessings”, “life lessons”, “wisdom” or transformation after experiencing something terrible? As you heal, you can experience positive changes. We call this post-traumatic growth (PTG). Simply put, this is a capacity for resilience and hopeful, forward movement resulting from your trauma. 

Basically, the most difficult period of your life can actually precede the best version of yourself. With solid support and experienced trauma counseling, you may discover that your trauma transformed you and actually inspires you to live in completely new ways.

PTSD Counseling NYC: What Is Post-traumatic Growth Exactly?

The term, “post-traumatic growth” resulted from the research of Richard Tedeschi, Ph.D., and Lawrence Calhoun, Ph.D.in the 1990s. Generally, it is believed that post-traumatic growth evolves from actively addressing and fully processing trauma. Dealing with emotions like loss, anger, and other emotional pain is the first step. Then, a period of reflection can occur, allowing for significant change and growth. 

In other words, your efforts to think it through, deal with it, and try to make as much sense of your trauma as you can, can prove emotionally and mentally productive. This isn’t forced and is best accomplished with trauma counseling. Generally, PTG is happening when ignoring your feelings, avoiding memories, or withdrawing from others is no longer your M.O.

Also, as you learn to reflect on your experience, you may start to recognize that you feel less and less defeated by it. You may see your trauma differently and value the resulting impact on your life and beliefs differently. You may even feel increasingly empowered and positive. PTG shapes a more willing, open, and generous mindset.

PTSD Counseling NYC: What Does Post-traumatic Growth Look Like

Research indicates that there are five key areas that indicate post-traumatic growth. You may experience growth in all five, though many people experience a change in just two or three areas. An experienced, compassionate trauma therapist can help examine your experience and gain some clarity if necessary. Consider the following.

PTG Often Happens in 5 Key Ways

1. You want to make the most of everything.

Do you feel compelled to make the most of your time and everyday experiences? Your sense of life’s potential hits differently now. Your struggles have given birth to new possibilities and fresh starts. Taking much for granted feels incompatible with your new outlook. How you spend your life matters greatly to you.

2. You feel connected and close.

Are your relationships with people changed? You may seek deeper connections with certain people. It’s not unusual to feel a bond with other trauma survivors. You feel appreciative and thankful for the people in your life. Supportive relationships are much more gratifying and enjoyable. Additionally, you may experience a deeper sense of compassion and generosity that foster more meaningful interactions with your loved ones, community, and even the world. Relationships seem to hold much more promise.

3. You know your own strength and trust yourself more.

Can you now cope with uncertainty confidently? You may notice a boost in personal strength and proactivity. Your ability to practice acceptance and tap into the lessons learned from your trauma may help to make life less scary or confusing for you. You may find too, that you are less anxious and more able to cope and make self-honoring decisions. Your past only informs you. It no longer limits your self-perception or life choices. 

4. Your perspective & priorities are shifting.

Does life just look and feel different than ever before? You may experience a deep shift in perspective. Your overall worldview may change as a result of your reflection, introspection, and new ideas. All fostered by your traumatic experience. You may also feel “unstuck” and ready to invest yourself in causes and relationships that reflect your new perceptions and priorities.

5. You’re exploring what it all means.

Are you interested in exploring your place in the grand scheme of things? A new focus on spirituality and/ or the meaning of life is very common. Your beliefs may deepen or shift markedly. Your mind and heart may open in ways that deeply affect your life and how you perceive your connection to the universe.

PTSD Counseling NYC: Post-traumatic Growth & Professional Guidance

Accepting life’s difficulties, healing, and moving on don’t always come easily. Your trauma is unique to you and must be processed fully and with a wealth of support. Then, PTG can happen. Rushing or judging yourself isn’t necessary. What matters most is healing with the help you need.

Trauma counseling helps reconnect your sense of safety, agency, and power. As you become more aware and able to explore your emotions, healthy, productive engagement with the world can happen more frequently. Hope and positivity grow and you can feel more comfortable contributing to the world on your own terms.

The Relationship Suite

We’re a group of skilled therapists ready when you are. We have the experience to support .trauma sufferers. Please read more about PTSD therapy and contact us for support soon. You can feel better and live well

To learn more about our Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment services, click here. 

If you’re struggling, call 917-273-8836 or Contact us for a complimentary consultation to learn more about counseling in NYC and how we can help you.

We are a group of skilled therapists specializing in individual and couples counseling. Since Covid, we have been working with couples via Online Counseling in New York, New York City including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, South Hampton, East Hampton, Montauk. To schedule a complimentary consultation, click HERE.

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