Trauma Therapy in Marietta, Georgia

Many of us have experienced trauma in various ways in the course of the last couple of years related to the pandemic, social unrest, racial tensions, political divisions, the politicization of law enforcement and other first responders, and grief.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), trauma is an emotional response to a tragic event. The events could be a natural or man-made disaster, an accident of some kind, a medical event, grief, a sexual or spiritual event, and many others.

At Foundry Counseling our skilled team of therapists specializes in working with the victims of trauma.

You could be experiencing the following physical, emotional, and/or psychological symptoms:

  • headaches

  • digestive symptoms

  • fatigue

  • racing heart

  • sweating

  • feeling jumpy

  • denial

  • anger

  • fear

  • sadness

  • shame

  • confusion

  • anxiety

  • depression

  • numbness

  • guilt

  • hopelessness

  • irritability

  • difficulty concentrating

There are 3 different types of trauma addressed in Trauma Therapy: acute, chronic, and complex.

  • Acute trauma is a single event.

  • Chronic is a result of repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful events.

  • Complex trauma is a result of multiple traumatic events.

Vicarious and Secondary Trauma can develop within each of these 3 types of trauma. 

Vicarious Trauma

Vicarious trauma is the emotional “leftovers” that people experience when working with people who have experienced their trauma. 

Symptoms of vicarious trauma can be lingering feelings of anger, sadness, and other feelings related to the victimization or experience of the person; becoming overly involved emotionally with the person being helped; experiencing “bystander guilt”, shame, or feelings of self-doubt; preoccupied with the person outside of your work environment; becoming increasingly cynical, feeling numb, avoiding, etc.

Secondary Trauma

Secondary Trauma is indirect exposure to trauma through a firsthand account or narrative of a traumatic event. 

Many of the symptoms of Secondary Trauma are included in Vicarious Trauma above. It can also but is not limited to, changing routine or engaging in self-destructive coping mechanisms.

Secondary Trauma is very common in First Responders. While the First Responder may not have been directly involved in the original event, new trauma and secondary trauma are created through the investigation process of taking and reviewing pictures of victims, evidence, and the crime scene(s), rehearsing and testifying in court and having to revisit the same area where the crime occurred after that fact. 

Trauma in the First Responder community is exponentially high.

The events described above are experienced not just occasionally, but often on a weekly or monthly basis. Most First Responders experience chronic or complex trauma and have vicarious or secondary trauma. Their family members also experience trauma, as they are experiencing their First Responder’s reality but from a different perspective. They too can experience acute and/or chronic trauma. They usually are experiencing vicarious or secondary trauma depending on their knowledge of the direct event. Most often, their trauma is driven by the behaviors of the First Responder. These types of trauma can occur in the adults and children in the life of the First Responder. 

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy

Foundry Counseling has multiple staff members that are experts in trauma therapy and working with First Responders and their families.

We are a vendor to multiple agencies that provide counseling to First Responders, and their family, and Critical Incident Stress Management/Debriefings and training.

Are You Interested in Starting Trauma Therapy in Marietta, GA?

Is your past trauma impacting your ability to live in the present and enjoy your life? Our skilled therapists are here to guide and support you at Foundry Counseling through the steps of processing and overcoming trauma. If you think Trauma Therapy is right for you or would like to explore this treatment option, follow the steps below to get started!

Other Therapy Services Offered At Foundry Counseling in Marietta, GA

In addition to Trauma Therapy, we also offer a wide range of services to fit any need. These include First Responder Counseling, DBT, Substance Abuse Counseling, and Christian Counseling. We offer a client-centered focus geared toward helping you overcome mental health challenges so you can begin living an authentic and fulfilled life.

Lone man standing on the shoreline overlooking the water on a gray day representing someone dealing with past trauma in need of Trauma Therapy in Marietta, GA.
A veteran sitting on a couch in his therapists office with his hands on his head representing someone who is porcessing their trauma through Trauma Therapy in Marietta, GA.
A woman sitting on a grassy hill in a park with he cup of coffee relaxed and peaceful representing someone who has overcome past trauma with the help of Trauma Therapy in Marietta, GA and found peace.