Generational or (integrational) trauma is a phrase that you might be hearing recently being thrown around but, do you truly know what it means. It is trauma that can be passed down through generations by epigenetics, when genes change how they work but the DNA sequence stays the same. It can be baggage brought from one generation onto the next. Coming from a family with this type of trauma can cause many negative outcomes which can include Stress. When dealing with your close loved ones, stress can become a common factor in your life. Trying to identify if your family has generational trauma look for these:
Always on edge ( waiting for the other shoe to drop)
The first big step you can take is recognizing that the trauma that you have can be inherited. After identifying the generational trauma you can then start to work on the stress that you have. Your body was in flight or fight mode constantly and now you know why and due to what trauma. According to the American Psychological Association we see how parents after experiencing a traumatic event, can pass on their fear and prevent future generations from finding new ways. Getting professional help can also apply to you; stress can become chronic if not addressed. Help the future generations by breaking this unhealthy cycle.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) – 368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
On July 13th of this year, a shot was witnessed around the world when a skinny, pale 20-year-old with an AR-15-style rifle climbed onto a roof facing former President Donald Trump’s rally and fired. After the crowd got up from the ground when police said it was safe, but before paramedics could arrive, millions of people already had photos and videos of the incident on their devices and were chasing the story for updates.
Research outlines how witnessing these events through such graphic and detailed media not only makes us afraid and panicked, but also leads us to doubt our society. We start to think that if we scoured the dark web enough, we’d be able to prevent shootings, or that our children’s classmates who are on the fringes of the social scene might just shoot them one day. We may even convince ourselves that we need a gun for our personal safety and survival.
Universally, we consider leaders to be among the most protected and secure people in our country. When we witness political violence firsthand or through videos and photos, we automatically begin to fear for our own safety and security. As psychologist Dr. Zachary Ginder points out, witnessing a violent attack on a government authority—whether in real-time or via video—leads us to question and doubt our “sense of social order, control, trust, safety, and security.”
One thing that the boom of social media has demonstrated, validated by numerous studies, is that we easily obtain extensive video and photo coverage of violent attacks, whether they involve shootings, terrorist attacks, assassination attempts, or others. The ability to see every single moment from every angle of a violent incident, due to continuous media coverage and the ease of sharing on social media, serves to sustain our trauma and panic, according to Roxanne Cohen Silver, a professor of psychological science, medicine, and public health at the University of California, Irvine.
Experts suggest several ways to relieve anxious feelings: avoid listening to and perpetuating conspiracy theories by ensuring that you’re getting your news from reliable sources; take time to establish and maintain regular habits that support your self-care; channel your energy into advocacy and “positive action,” which can help many feel more in control; focus on kindness and positivity; and seek help when needed to process trauma in a healthy way rather than remaining in a traumatic mindset.
If one’s reaction to trauma is intense, they may experience difficulties such as trouble sleeping, concentrating, irritability, anger, lashing out, or paranoia. Disorders related to traumatic reactions—whether the experience was direct or indirect—include acute stress disorder, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder.
The other day I was sitting in my college Renaissance History course, learning about the joy, beauty, and creative innovation of an era that spanned three centuries following roughly 1,000 years of life so bleak and horrible that it gained an additional name: the “Dark Ages.” At one point during the lecture, my professor made an off-the-cuff remark about how since every generation spans more or less 20 years, and within that generation, everything that happens in the world is considered “current events,” the 23rd anniversary of the tragic day that is 9/11 is now considered “history.” We all sat there a little shocked and confused because how could over twenty years have passed and how could something discussed so frequently in the United States be considered history?
On the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, first responders flocked by the thousands to the only building complex in the 10048 zip code in Lower Manhattan upon hearing the devastation that was unfolding in New York City. Thousands of therapists (social workers, psychologists, other mental health professionals, and so on) rushed to Manhattan in what psychologist Ghislaine Boulanger described as a “feeding frenzy” of therapists hurrying to help, (some even walking to fire stations and simply standing outside in case someone wanted therapy) all without knowing what helping would entail, all to assist in the efforts taking place in the aftermath of such a traumatic event witnessed live by hundreds of thousands of people. Boulanger, along with psychoanalyst and interfaith chaplain Margaret Klenck, described how at first the mental health professionals on the scene at that time were diving right into “the nitty-gritty” of therapy or “overmedicating people with tranquilizers and antidepressants,” when in reality, Klenck said, they were not depressed. They were traumatized and grieving, so naturally they were crying.
Psychologist Donna Bassin, who was a therapist for victims and their family members following 9/11, noticed that she was “emotionally transformed” by being a therapist during that time. “I started becoming more aware of community trauma, realizing how much people needed each other, not just 45 minutes in the psychotherapy office.” Years of trauma research and research on effective therapeutic practices have proven that most clients do not respond positively to long, detailed, and intense therapy immediately following a traumatic event. Richard McNally, a psychologist at Harvard, remarked how one of the most impactful lessons that were learned due to 9/11 was that people are far more resilient than we, specifically therapists in this case, thought.
As we look back on the past 23 years following a day that caused a loss of life for nearly 3,000 people and injured over 6,000, one lesson is starkly clear: we, as a community and as a nation, are more resilient than we think. We have built a bronze memorial, and etched in its surface the names of every single victim. We have built a new building in its place, 1,792 feet in the air, looking down over not only the historical New York City but also the 70-foot-deep memorial for the buildings. Therapists, first responders, the government, and doctors alike have all discovered new and more effective ways to deal with a country wreaked by terror and tragedy, and have created and discovered new ways to help people, built on the ashes of terror of times past.
Just like the “rebirth” that the Renaissance was, in 2024 we, too, can usher in our own enlightenment.
Psychiatric disorders associated with trauma exposure: PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and substance abuse disorders.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma-related disorders or with mental health in general, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
Religious trauma and spiritual abuse can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being and sense of self. It occurs when religious beliefs, practices, or leaders are used in harmful ways, causing emotional, psychological, or even physical harm. This can include manipulation, exploitation, guilt, fear, or shame tactics, as well as the imposition of strict rules and expectations. Leaving an abusive religious environment can lead to feelings of disorientation and loss of self-identity in an individual, both can result in developing religious trauma. It is important to acknowledge that not all dogmatic religious experiences are traumatic, but when it does happen, it can be deeply distressing.
Enduring long-term spiritual abuse births religious trauma. The exertion of control and mistreatment from religious members over a person is one of the main reasons why spiritual abuse occurs. It can be difficult to see the signs of spiritual abuse when a community has been integrated in their faith over a long period of time. Spiritual abuse tactics include lack of freedom to make decisions, justify abuse by usage of religious beliefs or scriptures, coerced into having sexual relations with religious leader or community member, fear and isolation as weapons, humiliation, intimidation into conformity, and more. Experiencing abuse in a spiritual community can leave lasting scars on people and cause them to lose their faith as a whole. Mental health issues such as depression, isolation, sexual dysfunction, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation can all develop from religious trauma. Healing from religious trauma often involves seeking support, therapy, and finding a safe space to explore and redefine one’s spirituality on their terms. It is important to remind yourself that you deserve a journey of healing and growth that aligns with your own beliefs and values.
If you or someone you know is seeking therapy for religious trauma or general trauma, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Relationship trauma develops from consistent unhealthy and abusive behaviors that occur between individuals in an intimate relationship. Trauma can arise from physical, emotional, verbal, financial, or sexual abuse. Leaving a toxic relationship may have long-lasting effects on an individual who endured abuse. There are many factors that can cause a development of abuse in relationships. An individual may desire to have control and power over their partner, lack of empathy, causing substance abuse and stress to form. There are many more examples of how relationship abuse may form. A victim of relationship abuse may not recognize that they are traumatized and thus can lead to living with untreated trauma.
Signs of relationship trauma include:
Guilt and shame
Trust issues
Intrusive/Triggering thoughts
Nightmares and flashbacks
Difficulty building healthy relationships
Isolation from loved ones, interests/hobbies, education, and work
When the effects of trauma begin to impact an individual’s well-being, seeking professional help is an effective resource to consider. Talking to a therapist about traumatic events that occurred in a relationship is a healthy beginning for the healing process. A safe environment is provided in therapy where building healthy coping mechanisms, trust, developing a support system, managing triggers, and more positive outcomes are prioritized.
If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for relationship or general trauma, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Additional Support: Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
When an individual goes through a traumatic experience, the trauma they experienced may often remain in their body. Somatic therapy is a rising form of therapy that allows individuals to engage in a mind-body connection in order to minimize any arousals of stress. The practice of somatic therapy involves acknowledging how stress and trauma are experienced in the body, then following with engaging in body techniques such as dancing, body scans, etc. The re-occurring feeling of trauma being stored in the body is the result of the nervous system remaining in survival mode, leading to high levels of cortisol being continually released. Cortisol is one of the leading hormones that increases stress levels in the body. Incorporating somatic therapy with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a gentle approach to managing the body’s stored trauma. Somatic therapy can benefit individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, coping with grief, experiencing chronic illness or pain, sexual dysfunction, addiction, insecurities, abuse, and more.
Types of Somatic Therapies
Hakomi Method: Encouraging the growth of an individual by using mindfulness and experimental practices. It is a holistic approach that focuses on increasing our internal awareness
Grounding: Connecting the body to the earth. The individual will use sensory skills to feel energy from the ground to their feet. This is to embody and experience the present moment.
Titration & Pendulation: Slowing down and portioning the recollection of trauma to reduce immediate emotional and physiological responses. Pendulation, moving back and forth between feelings, is needed to achieve titration in order to make sensations of stress more manageable.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): The process of moving your eyes in a specific direction while discussing or embodying traumatic memories. The goal of EMDR therapy is to encourage the brain to process any discomforting experiences and memories.
Resourcing: A therapist will have an individual recall a precious memory or resources that are attached to positive and calming feelings. An example of this could be reminding oneself of a location or person in which they find happiness.
Some benefits that may be a result of somatic therapy include self-regulation in the nervous system, increase in resilience and re-empowerment, developing bodily awareness, and releasing tension along with other positive results. It is important to remember that somatic therapy is not meant to be in replacement of CBT. When experiencing emotions stemming from anxiety, trauma, or depression, it is beneficial to attend talk therapy sessions as a primary source of mental health care, with somatic therapy being only an addition. The goal of somatic therapy is to find relief in your mind and body’s negative sensations to produce more calming and comforting feelings.
If you or someone you know is seeking therapy please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Traumatic events can be scary and they can cause high levels of stress for an individual going through the experience. It can affect the individual both physically and mentally. Traumatic events can range from natural disasters such as hurricanes or floods, violence such as abuse or mass shootings and other traumatic events such as car crashes and accidents. Responses to trauma can vary, however, the most general responses can include:
Being anxious
Angry
Sad
Trouble sleeping
Continually thinking about the incident
Individuals who do not seek help from professionals or do not have support from family or friends may develop more severe symptoms. To deal with severe symptoms without help, individuals may turn to drugs or alcohol in order to cope. The relief may be temporary but drugs, and alcohol can lead to a whole new set of problems that can be significantly harder to address.
There are healthier ways to cope with the traumatic event such as:
Avoiding alcohol and other substances
Spending time with those who are closest to you such as close friends and family
Actively trying to follow healthy routines in regards to meals, exercise and sleep
Staying active is a great way to cope with stressful feelings about the traumatic situation. If the feelings are persistent then talking to a psychologist, psychiatrist, and other mental health professionals can be a great way to relieve those symptoms.
You are not alone and there is a way out of those persistent feelings.
If you or someone you know is experiencing Trauma, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com
Experiencing trauma is common and sometimes it may develop into PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. While PTSD does affect men and women, women are significantly more likely to experience it than men. So, what is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, and the symptoms caused by this trauma continue for more than a month. While PTSD usually develops in the month following the event, it may develop months or even years after. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, avoidance of anything or anyone that reminds them of the trauma, changes in mood or thinking, and changed in behavior.
Females are twice as likely to experience PTSD as men. Why is that? While exposure to trauma is lower for women than men the type of trauma is significant in the development of PTSD. Men experience traumas that result in injuries or death, such as accidents, combats, and physical assaults. Women, however, experience childhood abuse, rape, and sexual assault. The effects of sexual assault are so detrimental that in the 2 weeks following an incident of sexual assault, 94% of women experienced symptoms of PTSD.
Another key reason for this difference is the difference in coping strategies. Everyone has heard of the “fight or flight” response to dangerous situations, but it is found that women often use the “tend and befriend” response following an event. “Tending” is taking care of those around you, while “befriending” is reaching out to others for support. Because of this reliance on others, women become more vulnerable to PTSD symptoms if their support system fails them.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/
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