Online Therapy for Trauma at Thriveworks Amherst, MA in Hampshire County
No one deserves to go through a trauma. The scars a traumatic event of any kind leaves can be emotional, mental, or physical. The coronavirus pandemic and the social isolation it brings can exaggerate these symptoms. The loneliness of social distancing can make it feel like you’re alone. Thriveworks Amherst wants you to know:
You are not alone.
And you have the strength to overcome this trauma (and then some!). What happened to you was not your fault, and neither are the symptoms you may be experiencing. However, while trauma is not in your control, healing can be. Thriveworks Amherst offers comprehensive online therapy for trauma and PTSD. Even while you are social distancing, you aren’t alone. The strength it takes to even consider counseling and read this page is extraordinary, and only a hint of the strength you have. Together, we can uncover that strength and heal from the past to build a happier, healthier future.
If you would like to schedule an online therapy session or have questions about how online counseling for trauma therapy works, call Thriveworks Amherst at (413) 684-4805.
What Are the Symptoms of Trauma? When Is It Time to Reach Out?
Thriveworks Amherst believes everyone can benefit from telehealth therapy. Our therapists meet you where you’re at, so as long as you want to improve or heal, counseling can be beneficial. The easy question to ask yourself is:
Are you happy? Are you healthy?
Online counseling provides a way for you to change those answers to a yes from the comfort of your home!
If you’re struggling with the aftermaths of a traumatic event, your brain has been neurologically remolded. Trauma and the flood of hormones that comes with it has the potential to destroy healthy brain synapses and create unhealthy ones. Your brain is powerful though and wants to go back to a healthy state. With trauma counseling, healthy synapses can grow in place of the bad ones created because of trauma.
Thriveworks Amherst online counselors have the tools and techniques needed to help you overcome your past. You are worth the time it takes to craft a healthy, happy future. You deserve to be happy and feel safe. It won’t always be easy, uncovering and healing from trauma can be stressful and draining. But as we’ve already said and as we will continue to say: you are stronger than your trauma and you are not alone. You are a whole, amazing person that is not solely defined by a traumatic event. Counseling gives your brain the freedom to live out that truth.
Signs PTSD and trauma have taken their toll include:
- Recurrent, painful dreams
- Flashbacks
- Emotional numbness
- Jittery/always on edge
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hesitancy to open up to other people, even those you trusted before the trauma
- Persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
- Diminished interest in activities you previously enjoy
- Difficulty feeling positive emotions
- A general feeling of detachment from the world or yourself
- Continuous feeling of discomfort in stomach and gut
Trauma and PTSD will look differently in everyone. The one thing it has in common is it is not the end of your story. Even when you’re social distancing, Thriveworks Amherst will help you write your own ending.
What Is Online Counseling?
Online counseling, also known as telehealth or teletherapy, is a way to receive all the benefits as traditional therapy but from the comfort and convenience of your own home (or office or even car!). With the Hampshire county recommending safe social distancing, face-to-face counseling isn’t feasible. Thriveworks Amherst continues to serve Pioneer Valley by offering online therapy through two methods:
- Video therapy: A very easy way to talk to an Amherst counselor using a video service. Your counselor will send you a link to follow at your scheduled counseling time. Then you just make your favorite hot beverage and find somewhere comfortable.
- Telephone therapy: Also a very easy way to receive counseling from virtually anywhere. All telephone therapy needs is reception, a phone, and you! Wait for the call from your counselor at the appointed counseling time and you’re good to go.
With the coronavirus pandemic, you might be feeling bored and lonely on top of PTSD symptoms and dealing with the aftermath of trauma. Social isolation and social distancing can have negative effects on mental and physical health, but only if we don’t adapt our lifestyle to it. Just because we are social distancing doesn’t mean we have to stop living. If you are struggling with loneliness on top of a trauma, online therapy with Thriveworks Amherst is here to help you thrive.
Does online counseling actually work? Yes! The research has been done and the results are conclusive: online therapy is the same or more beneficial as in-person counseling. Here’s why:
- It’s convenient: Online therapy fits nicely into your schedule because you don’t have to drive anywhere to receive professional, licensed mental health guidance. Fit in a counseling session in between your morning workout and a virtual business meeting!
- It’s comfortable: You could wear your pajamas and Thriveworks Amherst counselors wouldn’t know the difference! Especially when we’re working through trauma, being in a comfortable, familiar surrounding can help your brain begin processing the trauma and heal from it.
- It’s safe: Many people find they enjoy telehealth more than in-person counseling because there is less pressure. You’re not meeting anyone, you’re just talking to someone virtually. That is more comfortable for many people and that helps some of the self-defense walls come down. When a counselor and client are able to get to a spot of safety and comfort, the counseling process is faster and more effective.
Video counseling or phone counseling for trauma is a proven, safe resource for you to utilize. The trauma you experienced is in your past, it doesn’t have to have a hold on your present or define your future.
Thriveworks Amherst serving Hampshire county is looking forward to getting to know you virtually. Give us a call at (413) 684-4805 or schedule a remote appointment online.
