Natural Disaster Trauma Therapy

Natural Disaster Trauma

Experiencing a hurricane, flood, earthquake, fire, or tornado can cause feelings of fear, loss, distress, and helplessness. While traditional talk therapy focuses on catharsis, sometimes talking alone doesn’t equate to healing.

At Evolve Therapy & Counseling, we use the Sovereign Body Method, which helps our clients become self-possessed.

Types of natural disasters that may cause PTSD symptoms include:

• Hurricanes
• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Wildfires
• Tsunamis
• Droughts
• Volcanic eruptions
• Landslides, mudslides, and avalanches

If you experienced a hurricane or tornado in Brickell, Downtown Miami, West Palm, or any surrounding area of Palm Beach County, trauma counseling may help you process your experience and rebuild your sense of security. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of natural disaster trauma include:

• Feeling unsafe
• Hypervigilance
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Negative beliefs
• Low self-esteem
• Intrusive thoughts
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

Our therapists use evidence-based treatment modalities that promote feelings of safety and hope in a safe and confidential environment. Schedule a consultation to learn more about what therapy can look like for you. 

Signs You Might Need Therapy

Relationship Between Natural Disasters and Mental Health

When you experience a natural disaster, you experience a heightened stress level, which triggers a fight-or-flight response. During this response, an increased amount of cortisol and adrenaline is released into your brain.

Too many of these hormones can put you at a higher risk of developing PTSD symptoms such as hypervigilance, insomnia, irritability, nightmares, or problems with concentration.

The trauma response can be different for each person involved, but some common responses include:

• Shock and derealization: Feeling unable to believe and accept the reality of what has happened.
• Depression and negative thoughts: Feelings of sadness or emptiness, changes in appetite, insomnia or sleeping too much, irritability, or thoughts of self-harm.
• Hyperawarness: Sensitivity to sounds, light, or smells may trigger memories of the stressful event.
• Flashbacks and nightmares: Unwanted memories or dreams of or relating to the event.
• Detachment: Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind you of the traumatic events.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, our highly-rated therapists have helped clients achieve peace and a feeling of internal safety. 

How Therapy Can Help

After a natural disaster, it can be helpful to talk to a therapist to start working with the nervous system. Therapy can help you decrease symptoms of PTSD and feel calmer in situations that used to be stressful.

Some psychological interventions a therapist might use within the Soverign Body Method can include:

• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (Tf-CBT): Learn how to manage negative feelings and behaviors by modifying your thought process.
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT): Understand how to challenge irrational beliefs causing negative consequences.
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET): Rewrite the narrative of your negative experience to experience more positive emotions.
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Utilize bilateral stimulation to detach big negative emotions from trauma memories.
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Learn healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness and distress tolerance skills.
• Prolonged exposure therapy (PE): Let go of phobias and anxiety.

Discuss your therapy options with your therapist to determine which one is best suited for you. A consultation may be necessary to determine the best course of action for you. 

Manage Trauma From a Natural Disaster

Several things you can do to manage your trauma response include:

• Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.
• Self-care including engaging in hobbies, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and doing physical exercise.
• Get support from your peers and family members.
• See a therapist to process the traumatic event and decrease your emotional trauma symptoms

Seeking therapy is a sign of strength and commitment to yourself. Contact us for more information on trauma counseling in WPB and Miami. 

Finding a Good Therapist in Brickell, Downtown Miami, and West Palm Beach

To find a good psychologist or therapist, search for trauma therapists in your area and look for someone who is licensed by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling.

Evolve Therapy & Counseling is led by licensed psychotherapist and trauma specialist Liz Chelak. All therapists practicing the Sovereign Body method are licensed or registered clinicians who complete method-specific training and ongoing supervision.

How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?

How long trauma therapy for natural disasters can take depends on several factors, such as:

• Your goals for treatment
• Your scheduling and availability
• Severity of your trauma symptoms
• The treatment plan you and your therapist create

Your therapist will provide recommendations regarding the type and duration of therapy best for you. 

Cost and Insurance

The cost of therapy is $220 per session. We are in network with most commercial insurance. Call our office to find out if we accept your insurance.

Additional Resources

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs (English) or Hablanos (Spanish) to 66746.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast: Dial 211

Experiencing a natural disaster can cause intense emotions. However, you don’t have to deal with the side effects of trauma alone. PTSD therapy can help you feel emotionally stable and at ease. Our clinical team is led by licensed therapists with specialized training in guiding clients toward embodied self-possession.