Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Are you an "Unwilling Victim?"
If you have sought out this page on my website, you more than likely have lived through at least one traumatic event or experience that continues to influence your life in some negative way. Generally, we all start out as loving and trusting people, then someone or something comes along and changes that core belief, but it does not have to be forever.
PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can occur from military experiences, automobile accidents, rape or molestation, physical or mental abuse by a family member or partner or any number of ways. You may have witnessed a traumatic event or seen it happen to someone else. PTSD occurs when an individual feels that they have had to face a life threatening event, through no choice of their own, and then are left dealing with not only the experience but all the pain, anguish, potential shame, and depression that follows. I call this person, the “Unwilling Victim.”
I understand the “Unwilling Victim” as I have been where you are. Twenty Eight years ago my parents and brother were murdered in a home invasion. I experienced the trauma of having my basic assumption that the world was relatively predictable and that bad things do not happen to good people. When trauma happens to you, everything that you have ever believed in can go out the window and what you are left with is an overwhelming sense of fear, pain and hopelessness.
I am here to tell you that not only surviving but thriving are possible. A crucial step after you have become an “Unwilling Victim” is to reach out for help. It is vital that you reach out for someone that is well trained and experienced in the challenges that you are facing. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified PTSD Clinician, I can offer you the type of support and knowledge that you will need to regain your strength and get you out of that robotic feeling of just trying to get through the day.
As a therapist, I have heard hundreds of trauma stories from clients, patients, friends and family. In addition, I have had my own experience to work though. All of these “sharings” have touched me deeply and served to enforce my desire to work change for the good in those that cross my path. I am forever amazed at the resilience of people and the capacity to regain joy when given the right tools for growth and change.
It is my hope that, in working together, we will find a combination of techniques and exercises that will not only reduce your symptoms but help you to live a more fulfilling and ultimately joyful life. Together you will acquire the skill set to walk away from the “Unwilling Victim” role and become a willing participate in the new role of leading your life again.
Dr. Forrest is a Certified Relationship Specialist (CSR), Certified PTSD Clinician (CPTSDC), a member of the American Psychotherapy Association and a verified therapist on Psychology Today.
