Are you someone who has witnessed violence?
Right now, you may be experiencing:
- Intrusive images, thoughts, or nightmares related to the violent event(s) you witnessed
- Feeling intense fear, horror, or helplessness when recalling the event or when exposed to reminders
- Hypervigilance, feeling constantly on edge, or being easily startled
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the violence
- Emotional numbness, detachment, or difficulty feeling positive emotions
- Guilt or shame about what you saw, your reaction during the event, or not being able to intervene
- Anger towards the perpetrator(s) or the circumstances surrounding the violence
- Symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression as a result of the exposure
You’re realizing that witnessing violence is still getting in the way of your life:
- The disturbing images or memories intrude on your thoughts and disrupt your daily functioning
- Fear and anxiety limit your activities or make it hard to feel safe in the world
- Your relationships may be strained as you withdraw or struggle with irritability or emotional numbness
- You feel changed by what you saw, perhaps more cynical, mistrustful, or pessimistic
- Sleep, concentration, and overall well-being are negatively impacted
- You feel isolated, as others may not understand the traumatic impact of witnessing violence
You’re wondering…
- Why am I so affected by something I only witnessed? Is this a normal reaction?
- How can I get these horrible images out of my head?
- Will I ever feel safe or trust people again?
- Is it possible to heal from the trauma of seeing something so terrible?
- How do I cope with the guilt or helplessness I feel?
- Can therapy help me process what I witnessed?
You’re longing for…
- Relief from the intrusive images, nightmares, and distressing memories.
- A restored sense of safety and peace in your daily life.
- Freedom from the constant anxiety and hypervigilance.
- Healing from the emotional wounds of fear, horror, guilt, or anger.
- The ability to connect with others and engage with the world without being overwhelmed by the past.
- Integration of the experience so it no longer dominates your thoughts and feelings.
How we can help you.
At Evergreen Counseling, we understand that witnessing violence can be just as traumatic as experiencing it directly. Exposure to horrific events can deeply impact your sense of safety, worldview, and emotional well-being. Our trauma-informed therapists are skilled in helping individuals process the trauma of witnessing violence using evidence-based approaches like EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
What you’re longing for is possible.
By pursuing therapy after witnessing violence at Evergreen Counseling, you can imagine the following:
Feeling haunted by disturbing images and memories.
Experiencing significant relief from intrusive memories and trauma symptoms.
Struggling with fear.
Processing the emotional impact of the event.
Anxiety and a shattered sense of safety.
Regaining a sense of safety and resilience.
What if I’m Not Ready?
Not Quite Ready to Book a Complimentary Concierge Matching Call? That’s Okay.
We understand that taking the first step towards therapy can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this decision easier for you.
Starting therapy can bring up mixed feelings—part of you might be eager, while another part hesitates to confront deeply buried emotions. You might doubt whether therapy can help, especially if you’ve struggled for a long time or had disappointing experiences with untrained therapists or life coaches. At Evergreen Counseling, our trauma-trained therapists are deeply committed to providing expert care.
Here’s How We Can Help You Move Forward
- Complimentary Concierge Matching Call: Our concierge matching call is an opportunity for you to ask questions, share your concerns, and see if our approach feels right for you—without any obligation.
- Reimbursement Options: Concerned about the cost? We can guide you on how to get reimbursed for therapy using your out-of-network insurance benefits, making high-quality care more accessible to you.
- Informed Decision: Whether you’re ready to start or still exploring your options, we want you to feel fully informed and confident in your choice.
