Trauma Therapist in NYC

Yes, it’s entirely possible to have a pre-existing mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive disorder alongside PTSD or as an effect of PTSD. Having a co-occurring mental health condition does not protect you from potentially developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In fact, having a pre-existing mental health condition may make an individual more vulnerable to developing PTSD after experiencing traumatic events.

Additionally, people who have multiple underlying vulnerabilities, like low self-esteem, difficulty regulating emotions, and lack of social support may also be more at higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms following a traumatic event.

These underlying vulnerabilities can make it difficult for someone to cope with the trauma in healthy ways and can increase their likelihood of developing PTSD and other trauma-related mental health conditions.

Sometimes, PTSD can lead to other disorders, including social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, depression, and mood disorders.

It is important to note that everyone reacts differently to trauma and individuals with similar backgrounds or same types of traumas do not necessarily experience the same reactions. If you have experienced a traumatic event and are concerned about the possibility of developing PTSD or another trauma-related mental health condition it is important to seek help from a qualified professional who can assess your individual needs.

Trauma can be experienced at any age. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than two thirds of children reported at least one traumatic event by age 16.

The mean age at first exposure to any trauma was 11.4, but ranged between before one years of age through age 62. Additionally, teenagers are particularly vulnerable to trauma due to their developing brains, and even infants can experience traumatic events that have long-term effects on their development.

It is important to note that not all overwhelming or life-threatening experiences are necessarily traumatic for everyone; how a person experiences a traumatic event and expresses lingering distress depends on their age and level of development.

Yes, trauma is both a mental and physical experience for many people. Traumatic experiences can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues. They can also cause psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues.

The physical symptoms of trauma are often the result of the body’s natural response to stress. When faced with a traumatic event, the body releases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that increase heart rate and blood pressure. This is known as the “fight or flight” response and is designed to help us survive dangerous situations. However, if this response is triggered too often or for too long it can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, chest pain, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and digestive issues.

It is important for those who have experienced trauma to seek professional help in order to cope with its effects on their body and mind. A therapist or counselor can provide support while helping individuals process their emotions in a healthy way so they can move forward in life without being held back by their traumatic experience(s).

During your first session, your therapist will ask you questions to get to know you and understand your reasons for coming to therapy. Your therapist will want to learn about your history, what’s going on with you now, and learn about what you want to get out of therapy. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask them questions about how therapy works so you know what to expect.

The amount of time therapy takes is different for each person. If you’re dealing with a short-term stressor that you want resolved, that will typically take less time than a problem you’ve been dealing with for a long while. For some, therapy is short-term, taking just a few months until they are satisfied with their progress. For others, therapy will become a part of their routine, helping them manage ongoing concerns in their life and having a safe outlet for them to explore themselves, their patterns, and understand themselves on a deeper level.

With the rise in virtual therapy, it makes sense to want to know more about how it works. Research shows that virtual therapy has the same benefits as therapy that takes place face-to-face. Virtual therapy is an effective way to fit therapy into your busy schedule, as it allows you to talk to your therapist in the comfort of your own home. With virtual therapy, you avoid the hurdles that can happen with face-to-face appointments, such as scheduling conflicts, traffic, and travel time. In order to make the most of your virtual session, meet with your therapist in a private space in your home and have a good internet connection.

You’ve decided to take that next step and start therapy, and it can feel overwhelming to decide on a therapist. That’s why we offer a complimentary consultation call with a Looking Glass Intake Coordinator to help you make an informed choice. Every therapist has different strengths and styles that they bring to sessions. When you are in the process of selecting a therapist, talk to your coordinator about what you want to get out of therapy so you can rest assured that you are matched with the right person for you. After all, therapy is all about creating a space where you feel comfortable to open up, so finding a therapist that you click with is the first step on your journey!

Starting from your first session, you and your therapist will talk about what you want to get out of therapy. You may come in with a very specific goal or you may use therapy as a space to talk about ongoing events in your life. Regardless of your therapy goals, your therapist will create a comfortable space for you to talk about how therapy is going so you are both on the same page about the process. Ultimately, you will get more out of therapy if you are willing to put more into it. Growth takes place when you are willing to reflect on yourself and take what you are learning during sessions out into the world with you. Below are a few signs of progress that clients typically note:

• You start noticing that your symptoms (anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc.) are less frequent or intense than before.
• You’re able to function better at work, school, or in your personal relationships.
• You start to find that you have a better understanding of yourself, your feelings, and your behaviors. You’ve gained insights and are making connections that you didn’t make before.
• You might be using new coping skills that you’ve learned in therapy and they’re helping in your daily life.
• People close to you may tell you that they have noticed positive changes.

Looking Glass Psychology is Out-of-Network with health insurances. If you have an Out-of-Network or PPO insurance plan, your insurance will refund a large portion of each session, as long as you have met your Out-of-Network deductible. After each appointment, we’ll supply you with a receipt called a superbill or reimbursement form. To submit for a partial refund, simply log into your health insurance portal to enter the information listed on your superbill. If you have an Out-of-Network plan and have met your Out-of-Network deductible, your health plan will mail the partial refund in the form of a check to your home a few weeks after each appointment. Questions? Email info@LookingGlassNYC.com or chat with us live during business hours by clicking the “Message Us” button on this page.

Your appointment request is our top priority, so we’ll get you on the schedule as soon as possible – no waitlists, and no hassle. Many of our clinicians offer both in-person and video appointments in the early morning, afternoon, late evening, or even weekends. To request an appointment, click the following link: https://lookingglassnyc.clientsecure.me or chat with us live during business hours by texting (646) 350-2202. Prefer a phone call? Contact us today by calling (646) 760-3399.