Psychological Trauma

A traumatic event is one that threatens physical, emotional, or psychological safety. Some examples of traumatic events include rape/sexual assault; emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse; neglect; harassment; stalking; exposure to war or combat; the sudden loss of loved ones; natural disasters; car accidents; and/or some highly invasive medical treatments.

Reactions to traumatic events vary and can be influenced by a variety of factors including age, availability of supportive services, coping skills, and community support. While many experience posttraumatic reactions, some may find these resolve around the two-month mark following the traumatic event. If reactions persist past two months the individual may meet criteria for Acute Stress Disorder or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) states that PTSD encompasses four broad symptom clusters: intrusive and recurrent memories of the traumatic event, avoidance of trauma related stimuli, numbing and/or negative changes in mood or cognitions, and changes in reactivity and arousal. While PTSD is a mental health diagnosis, reactions to a traumatic event engage and impact neurological functioning and physiological systems throughout the body.

Experiencing a traumatic event threatens safety and can overwhelm typical coping skills and/or disrupt one’s experience of the world. Psychological trauma is frequently explained as “a normal response to abnormal circumstances”. It is impossible to predict how one will react to a traumatic event and therefore it is important to take care of yourself and ask for help from others, as best you can.

Counseling resources at USNA include MDC, Behavioral Health Clinic at NHCA, and Fleet and
Family Services.

• Midshipmen Development Center (email MDC at mdc@usna.edu to make an appointment)
• Naval Health Clinic Annapolis Behavioral Health Clinic
• Fleet and Family Services

If you have experienced sexual trauma (rape, assault, unwanted touching, sexual harrassment, sexual exploitation, etc.) SAPR Victim Advocates can provide non-counseling support, resources, transportation to medical care, and information about reporting options:

• USNA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office
• Naval Support Activity Annapolis Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office

Trauma Services at MDC

Though psychological trauma can have wide ranging effects and impact multiple domains of a person’s life, healing and recovery are indeed possible. Some people even experience “post-traumatic growth” --the realization of strength and resilience within oneself that one had not previously recognized. However, there is no shortcut to those experiences of growth and the road to healing is not experienced as a smooth, linear path.

Trauma-Informed Services
Recognizing the impact that a traumatic experience can have in psychological and physiological wellness is the foundation of trauma-informed treatment. This can be approached and achieved from multiple modalities, including:

• Psychoeducation
• Cognitive and behavioral techniques to manage symptoms and increase emotional regulation.
• Processing and desensitizing distressing memories and emotions
• Exposure to promote emotional regulation while reducing distress
• Development of the therapeutic relationship
• Mindfulness

Trauma Focused Therapies

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT):

Per the American Psychological Association (2017), “Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD that have developed after experiencing a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, sexual assault/rape, and natural disasters. CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and helps patients learn how to challenge and modify unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. In doing so, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualization of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life. This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD.”(APA, Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD).

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

Per the American Psychological Association (2017), “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an individual therapy that is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing model.  This model considers symptoms of PTSD and other disorders to result from past disturbing experiences that continue to cause distress because the memory was not adequately processed.  EMDR therapy focuses directly on the memory and utilizes bilateral stimulation to assist with changing the way the memory is stored in the brain.  This therapy is typically delivered once a week for a total of 6-12 sessions, although some people benefit from fewer sessions.  This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD. (APA, Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD).

Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Trauma:

This support group offers a safe, non-threatening setting for female survivors of sexual trauma to connect with other survivors, process emotions, and explore topics related to sexual violence.  This is a counselor-led, closed group that offers support and education for survivors.  The group will focus on further understanding trauma, strengthening coping skills, emotional regulation, and setting and maintaining boundaries. A consultation meeting is required before acceptance to the group. Please email mdc@usna.edu to schedule an intake to join this group. Learn more about this group here. 

Midshipmen dealing with the impact of psychological trauma are encouraged to seek services at the MDC. Visit the Make an Appointment tab to learn more.