In-person in Easton,PA
online across PENNSYLVANIA, FLORIDA, UTAH, AND WASHINGTON
EMDR for recent trauma
Have you been experiencing unwanted memories or flashbacks of a recent traumatic event that are hard to shake?
Are you feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or easily startled, as if the danger is still present?
Is your sleep disrupted by nightmares, insomnia, or restless nights since the trauma occurred?
Do You Just Want to Feel Like Yourself Again?
Recent trauma can take many forms and occur both at home and at work, including but not limited to:
Accidents: Unexpected incidents causing physical or emotional harm.
Fires: Destructive events resulting in significant personal or property damage.
Violent Crimes: Such as robbery, physical assault, or sexual assault.
Identity-Based Violence or Rejection: Including racism, sexism, gender discrimination, and xenophobia.
Critical Incidents at Work: Situations that result in significant stress or trauma within a professional setting.
Medical Trauma: Facing severe illness or life-threatening conditions, particularly involving invasive procedures.
Loss of a Loved One: Sudden or violent deaths, including those caused by accidents, completed suicides, or homicides.
Domestic Violence: Including assault, robbery, or sexual violence, as well as witnessing acts of violence.
Kidnapping or Abduction: Being taken against your will, whether briefly or for an extended period.
Understanding Acute PTSD
Acute PTSD, also known as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), is a condition that emerges in response to a traumatic event and is marked by symptoms occurring within three days to one month after the incident. It often serves as a precursor to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) if left unaddressed.
Key Characteristics of Acute PTSD:
Symptom Duration: Symptoms typically last from three days to one month following the traumatic event.
Common Symptoms: Individuals may experience intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and avoidance of trauma reminders.
Dissociation: Feelings of detachment from reality, including depersonalization (feeling disconnected from oneself) and derealization (feeling that the world is unreal).
Functional Impact: Significant difficulty in performing daily activities and maintaining work, social, or personal relationships.
Early intervention and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing Acute PTSD and preventing its progression to chronic PTSD. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of Acute PTSD, seeking professional support can provide essential relief and support.
frequently asked questions
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I strive to schedule appointments within 3-5 days for individuals who have experienced recent traumatic incidents, as I understand that time is crucial. If I am unable to accommodate you within that timeframe, I can refer you to a trusted colleague.
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Typically, therapy consists of two sessions, each lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.
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I have extensive experience working with first responders involved in critical incidents, law enforcement officers who have been on calls for completed suicides, individuals who have been robbed at gunpoint, and non-first responders who have discovered deceased individuals, among other situations.
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Many individuals seeking therapy with me are initially experiencing symptoms that meet PTSD criteria, with PCL-5 scores in the 50s to 60s (a score of 32 indicates criteria). After our first session, many report immediate relief and improved sleep. By the second session, PCL-5 scores are often below 10. Clients frequently describe a reduction in distressing imagery and a sense of detachment from the traumatic event.
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For this specific therapy, I work with individuals aged 7 and older.
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I do not accept insurance. My fee is $200 per hour for working with recent events.
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Yes, sure can. I am highly specialized and trained in this area, and I can work in conjunction with your current therapist if needed.
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I use a specialized EMDR technique called Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-PRECI). This therapy helps with trauma by looking at how memories are connected and stored. When someone experiences trauma, if they don’t feel safe afterward, their traumatic memories might not fully process or settle. Instead, these memories stay active and connected to each new traumatic event. This can create a buildup of distressing memories that feel like they are always just below the surface. EMDR-PRECI helps to address and process these memories to reduce their impact.
