Boulder therapist, therapist in Boulder,

Laurie Branch

 

Psychotherapist

303-444-7256

Areas of Focus
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

The most recent scientific evidence suggests that many of the symptoms a person experiences for the first month after a trauma are normal. These symptoms can include sleep disturbance, decreased concentration, anxiety, sadness, anger, irritability, hypervigilence, re-experiencing of traumatic events, and disruptions in social and work related functioning.

Symptoms that persist beyond four weeks following a trauma and that may be indicative of a post traumatic stress disorder are as follows:

* Recurrent and intrusive recollections of trauma.
* Recurrent distressing dreams of the trauma.
* Acting or feeling as if the trauma is recurring.
* Intense psychological distress and/or physiological reactivity upon exposure to cues that resemble the traumatic event.
* Efforts to avoid anything associated with the trauma.
* Markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
* Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
* Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
* Irritability or anger
* Hypervigilance
* Exaggerated startle responses

If you feel that you're experiencing any form of PTSD, please call so we can work through this difficult time together.

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