What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition that can develop after someone goes through or witnesses a terrifying event. It is the brain's way of trying to protect you after something dangerous or scary has happened. But when the danger is over and the brain keeps reacting as if it is still happening, that is when PTSD becomes a problem.
PTSD is more common than most people think. About 6 out of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives. It can happen to anyone, at any age. It does not mean you are weak. It means your brain is stuck in survival mode, and it needs help finding its way back to safety.
At Creative Pathways Therapy, LLC, Reina Matychak, LMHC, NBCC, specializes in helping people heal from PTSD and all types of trauma. Reina takes a holistic approach that honors the deep connection between mind, body, and heart. She uses proven methods including EMDR, Play Therapy for children, cognitive restructuring, and practical coping skills to help your brain and body process what happened so you can move forward. Reina sees clients in person at her Inverness and Ocala, Florida offices, and through telehealth throughout the state.
Types of Trauma
Not all trauma looks the same. Understanding the type of trauma you have experienced can help guide treatment. Here are the main types we treat at Creative Pathways Therapy.
Single-Event Trauma
This is trauma that comes from one specific event. Examples include a car accident, a natural disaster like a tornado or flood, an assault, a sudden loss of a loved one, or a medical emergency. Even though it was a single event, the effects can last for months or years if not treated.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma happens when someone goes through repeated or ongoing traumatic experiences. This might include living in an abusive home, being in a long-term violent relationship, growing up with a parent who has addiction, or serving in a war zone for an extended period. Complex trauma often affects a person's sense of self, their ability to trust others, and how they handle emotions.
Developmental Trauma
Developmental trauma occurs during childhood when a child's basic needs for safety, love, and stability are not met. This can include neglect, emotional abuse, growing up with a caregiver who was unpredictable, or being separated from a parent at a young age. Because the brain is still growing during childhood, this type of trauma can have deep effects on how a person relates to others and manages stress throughout their life.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD shows up differently in different people, but there are some common symptoms to watch for. If you or someone you love is experiencing several of these, it may be time to reach out for help.
Re-Experiencing the Trauma
This includes flashbacks, which feel like you are living through the event again. It can also include nightmares, upsetting memories that pop into your mind without warning, and physical reactions like a racing heart or sweating when something reminds you of the event.
Avoidance
People with PTSD often try to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This might mean staying away from certain places, people, or activities. Some people avoid talking about what happened. Others try to stay so busy they do not have time to think about it.
Feeling On Edge
This is sometimes called hyperarousal. You might feel jumpy or easily startled. You might have trouble sleeping or feel irritable and angry for no clear reason. It can be hard to concentrate. You might always be looking for danger, even when you are in a safe place.
Changes in Thoughts and Mood
PTSD can change how you think about yourself and the world. You might feel guilty or blame yourself for what happened. You might lose interest in things you used to enjoy. You might feel numb or disconnected from the people you care about. Some people have trouble remembering parts of the traumatic event.
How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body
Trauma does not just live in your mind. It lives in your body, too. Understanding how trauma affects your brain and body can help you make sense of what you are going through.
The Fight-or-Flight Response
When you face danger, your brain activates the fight-or-flight response. This is controlled by a part of your brain called the amygdala. It sends alarm signals that flood your body with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Your heart beats faster, your muscles tense up, and your senses become sharper. This response is designed to keep you alive.
In people with PTSD, this alarm system gets stuck in the "on" position. Even when there is no danger, the brain keeps sending alarm signals. That is why someone with PTSD might feel panicked in a grocery store or wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. The body is acting as if the danger is still happening.
The Nervous System and Trauma
Your nervous system has two main modes. The sympathetic nervous system is the "gas pedal" that revs you up for action. The parasympathetic nervous system is the "brake" that calms you down. In a healthy nervous system, these two work together to keep you balanced.
Trauma can throw this balance off. Some people get stuck in a high-alert state, always ready for danger. Others freeze, feeling numb and disconnected. Some go back and forth between the two. Healing from trauma means helping your nervous system find its way back to balance.
The Body Keeps the Score
Trauma can cause real physical symptoms. Chronic pain, headaches, stomach problems, tension in the shoulders and neck, and fatigue are all common in people who have experienced trauma. This happens because the body stores the stress of traumatic experiences, even when the mind tries to forget them. Effective trauma therapy addresses both the mind and the body.
How Creative Pathways Therapy Treats PTSD
At Creative Pathways Therapy, LLC, Reina uses several proven methods to help people heal from PTSD and trauma, including EMDR (she is EMDR Certified), Play Therapy for children, cognitive restructuring, and practical coping skills. Every treatment plan is different because every person is different. Her holistic approach focuses on the whole person, mind, body, and heart, not just symptoms. Here is an overview of how she approaches trauma recovery.
Creating Safety First
Before we start processing trauma, we make sure you feel safe. This means building trust with your therapist, learning coping skills, and developing ways to calm your nervous system. We never push you faster than you are ready to go. You are in control of your healing.
Processing the Trauma
Once you have the tools to manage difficult emotions, we begin working through the traumatic memories. This might involve talking about what happened, using EMDR therapy, or other evidence-based methods. The goal is to help your brain process the memory so it no longer triggers the same intense reactions.
Nervous System Healing
We teach you how to recognize what is happening in your body and how to bring your nervous system back into balance. This includes breathing exercises, grounding techniques, body awareness practices, and other tools that help you feel calm and present in the moment.
Building a New Future
Healing from trauma is not just about dealing with the past. It is also about building a life you feel good about. We help you set goals, strengthen relationships, develop healthy habits, and rediscover things that bring you joy and meaning.
Support for Veterans and First Responders
Veterans and first responders face unique challenges when it comes to trauma. Military service, law enforcement, firefighting, and emergency medical work expose people to situations that most others will never experience. The culture in these fields can also make it harder to ask for help.
At Creative Pathways Therapy, LLC, we understand the specific stresses that veterans and first responders face. We provide a judgment-free, confidential space where you can talk openly about what you have been through. We respect the strength it takes to serve and the courage it takes to seek help.
Our therapists are experienced in working with combat-related PTSD, line-of-duty trauma, moral injury, and the challenges of transitioning from military or first responder life. We use evidence-based treatments like EMDR that have been shown to be highly effective for these types of trauma.
You protected others. Now let us help you take care of yourself.
What Therapy Sessions Look Like
If you have never been to therapy before, you might be wondering what to expect. Here is a simple overview of what trauma therapy looks like at Creative Pathways Therapy.
Your first session is a conversation. We will ask about your history, what brought you to therapy, and what you hope to achieve. You do not have to share everything right away. We move at your pace.
In the early sessions, we focus on building coping skills and helping you feel safe. You will learn techniques for managing anxiety, calming your body, and staying grounded when difficult feelings come up.
When you are ready, we begin processing the traumatic memories. This is the part of therapy that helps your brain and body let go of the trauma. It can be hard, but you will never be alone. Your therapist will guide you every step of the way.
As therapy progresses, you will start to notice changes. You might sleep better, feel less anxious, or find that things that used to trigger you do not bother you as much. These are signs that healing is happening.
Sessions are typically held once a week and last about 50 minutes. We also offer telehealth sessions for those who prefer to meet virtually.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD and Trauma Therapy
What is the difference between PTSD and complex trauma?
PTSD usually develops after a single traumatic event, like a car accident or natural disaster. Complex trauma happens when someone experiences repeated or ongoing trauma over time, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or combat exposure. Both are treatable with the right therapy.
How do I know if I have PTSD?
Common signs of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping, feeling on edge or easily startled, avoiding reminders of the trauma, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, and feeling disconnected from others. If these symptoms last more than a month and affect your daily life, it may be PTSD.
Does Creative Pathways Therapy work with veterans and first responders?
Yes, Creative Pathways Therapy provides specialized PTSD and trauma therapy for veterans and first responders. We understand the unique stresses of military service and emergency work and offer a safe, judgment-free space for healing.
How long does trauma therapy take?
The length of trauma therapy depends on the type and severity of the trauma, your personal goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some people experience significant improvement in 8 to 12 sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support. Your therapist will work with you at your pace.
Can children develop PTSD?
Yes, children can develop PTSD. They may show it differently than adults, through behavior changes, regression (like bedwetting after being potty trained), increased clinginess, new fears, trouble at school, or acting out traumatic events in play. Early treatment can help children heal and prevent long-term effects.