Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

At Animo Sano Psychiatry, we specialize in treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition that arises after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Whether stemming from abuse, combat, accidents, or other life-threatening situations, trauma can lead to lasting psychological effects—but with the right support, healing is possible. We offer treatment through both online and in-person visits, ensuring accessible, compassionate care tailored to your comfort and needs.

What is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma refers to an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can stem from experiences like abuse, violence, accidents, or natural disasters. While some people recover from trauma over time, others may experience lasting effects such as emotional detachment, anxiety, and intrusive memories. Trauma can impact emotional and physical well-being, often leading to more severe conditions like PTSD if left untreated.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While it’s natural to feel fear, sadness, or anxiety after trauma, PTSD occurs when these feelings persist for more than a month and interfere with daily life. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance. These symptoms can significantly disrupt personal relationships, work, and general well-being if left untreated.

Symptoms of Trauma and PSTD

  • Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts related to the trauma
  • Nightmares and disturbed sleep
  • Avoidance of places, people, or activities that trigger memories of the traumaes and disturbed sleep
  • Feeling emotionally numb or detached
  • Hypervigilance or being easily startled
  • Difficulty concentrating or feeling “on edge”
  • Anger, irritability, or reckless behavior

What Causes Trauma and PTSD?

Both trauma and PTSD can result from various life experiences, such as:

combat and military service sign

Combat and Military Service

PTSD is common among veterans due to exposure to life-threatening combat situations.

abuse sign

Abuse

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can leave deep emotional scars, leading to long-term trauma or PTSD.

accident sign

Accidents

Severe accidents or near-death experiences can lead to trauma-related conditions.

natural disasters sign

Natural Disasters

Experiencing or witnessing events such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes.

How Animo Sano Psychiatry Treats Trauma and PTSD

Evaluation & Diagnosis: We begin with a comprehensive assessment to accurately diagnose PTSD and understand its impact on your daily life.

Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis, we create a customized treatment plan that includes a combination of therapy and medication.

Medication Management: Medications like antidepressants (SSRIs and SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to help manage mood and anxiety symptoms associated with PTSD.

Therapy: We use evidence-based therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, which help patients process traumatic memories in a safe environment and reduce the fear response over time.

Other Conditions We Treat

We specialize in treating a variety of behavioral health conditions, including but not limited to:

Anxiety

ADHD

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Sleep Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We have answers. Browse through our FAQ section to learn more about our psychiatry and behavioral health services, your first visit, and what to expect.

Trauma refers to an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event—such as abuse, violence, accidents, or natural disasters—that overwhelms one’s ability to cope. While many people recover over time, when symptoms persist beyond a month and begin to disrupt daily life, the diagnosis may shift to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD includes symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hypervigilance.

Symptoms of trauma and PTSD often include:

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares of the event
  • Avoiding reminders or situations connected to the trauma
  • Emotional numbness, detachment, or feeling disconnected
  • Heightened startle response, irritability, or being “on edge”
  • Trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, or hypervigilance
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or persistent negative thoughts

Trauma and PTSD can stem from a variety of experiences, including:

  • Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
  • Combat or military service
  • Serious accidents, natural disasters, or life-threatening events
  • Witnessing violence or traumatic injury
  • Repeated exposure to traumatic events (e.g. in first responders or abuse survivors)

Risk factors like prior trauma, lack of support, or concurrent mental health conditions can make PTSD more likely.

Treatment typically involves a multi-modal approach. Medications like antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs) can help with associated mood and anxiety symptoms. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are commonly used to help process traumatic memories safely. In addition, some patients may benefit from non-invasive neuromodulation techniques or adjunctive supports like mindfulness and psychotherapy. A core element in treating PTSD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—or in the trauma context, controlled exposure techniques—that help reduce the fear and avoidance cycle by gradually confronting traumatic memories and refraining from avoidance behaviors.

Advice and Insights from Animo Sano Psychiatry

  • Young girl talking with a therapist during CBT for children session
  • Therapist comforting a distressed female veteran with PTSD.
  • Grandparent, parent, and child hands representing generational trauma.

Start Your Treatment Journey Today

If trauma or PTSD is affecting your life, our dedicated team at Animo Sano Psychiatry is here to provide support and personalized care to help you heal. Our evidence-based treatments are designed to help you regain control of your mental health.