Getting the Support You Need After a Traumatic Loss

Throughout our lives, we experience losses of every type, from being passed over for a promotion at work to losing touch with a friend. They’re painful, and we either attempt to change the situation — pursuing other jobs or reaching out to the friend you haven’t communicated with in some time — or we move on without severe or lasting difficulty.

However, there is a range of losses that are considered traumatic, which leave you gutted and in need of help.

At In Touch Counseling, Janelle Adams, MA, LMFT, ATR, is here to help you navigate a traumatic loss, be present with you and your grief, and work with you to build an emotional toolbox so that you can feel fully supported and begin healing. Her integrative approach to wellness means that her thoughtfully considered treatment plans include multiple healing modalities that soothe your mind and body. 

What is traumatic loss?

We noted that a traumatic loss is so significant that it’s challenging to go on without therapeutic care and help. 

A traumatic loss is often one that causes monumental change, such as:

• Suddenly losing a loved one through violence or an accident
• Enduring a health crisis that drastically alters your quality of life
• Loss of job, career, or livelihood
• Life limitations that can accompany aging
• Loss of a beloved pet

There are also losses we experience that can come when positive changes are happening in our lives. For example, we may be relocating for a new job, but leaving our friends and community can be a devastating experience.

The feelings that go along with suffering a traumatic loss are diverse, and include deep grief, anger, fatigue, depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt, among others. You may also notice physical challenges, such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues like nausea. Your relationships with others may even be affected.

Getting help with healing from a traumatic loss

Fortunately, you’re not alone if you’ve endured a profound and lasting loss, and we can help. When you seek care at In Touch Counseling, Janelle delves deeply into the life-altering loss you’ve experienced. She asks insightful questions about the effects you’re living with, how your quality of life has changed, and the symptoms you’re experiencing. 

Your personalized care plan will likely include a blend of therapeutic approaches that incorporate different types of therapy and healing arts. 

You’ll engage in one-on-one counseling, and art therapy is helpful in that it offers a uniquely expressive way to process your traumatic loss-related feelings. 

Another innovative treatment we use for healing from traumatic loss is Alpha-StimⓇ cranial electrotherapy stimulation. Alpha-Stim is a noninvasive brain stimulation treatment that addresses the depression, anxiety, and insomnia associated with traumatic loss. Gentle microcurrents are directed at your brain via electrodes during treatment. 

It’s essential to seek treatment if you’ve had a loss that’s been traumatic, not just because you want to release the burden of the loss, but to prevent the trauma from developing into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition causes more severe symptoms and the repeated reliving of your trauma. 

We offer many treatments to help you process and heal from a traumatic loss, and we offer understanding and compassion during every step of your journey toward healing.

To schedule an appointment at our Camas office, please call 360-953-8740 or book one online with us.