PTSD & Trauma
Trauma can leave lasting imprints on the mind and body. With evidence-based treatment, it's possible to process what happened and reclaim your life.
Get Help TodayWhat Is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in some people following exposure to a traumatic event — such as combat, assault, a serious accident, natural disaster, childhood abuse, or the sudden loss of a loved one. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but those who do find that their nervous system stays stuck in survival mode long after the danger has passed.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness or an inability to "move on." It's a physiological response in which the brain's threat-detection system becomes dysregulated — and it responds well to specialized treatment.
PTSD Symptom Clusters
Re-experiencing
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional or physical reactions to trauma reminders.
Avoidance
Deliberately avoiding thoughts, feelings, people, places, or activities that trigger memories of the trauma.
Negative Cognitions & Mood
Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world, emotional numbness, persistent guilt, shame, or blame.
Hyperarousal
Being easily startled, hypervigilance, sleep disturbances, irritability, angry outbursts, and difficulty concentrating.
Common Symptoms
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD develops from repeated or prolonged trauma — such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity. In addition to standard PTSD symptoms, C-PTSD often involves:
- Severe emotional dysregulation and difficulty managing feelings
- Negative self-concept and feelings of shame or worthlessness
- Difficulty maintaining relationships and trusting others
- Dissociation — feeling disconnected from yourself or reality
How We Treat Trauma at Arcadia Minds
We use trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches — meaning your pace and safety always come first.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
A structured therapy that helps you process traumatic memories and develop coping skills — proven to reduce PTSD symptoms significantly.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
An evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge.
Medication Support
SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine) are FDA-approved for PTSD. Other medications may target specific symptoms like nightmares or hyperarousal.
Trauma-Informed Care
Every provider at Arcadia Minds approaches care with trauma awareness — creating a safe environment where healing at your own pace is the priority.