Trauma-Related Disorder
Mount Vernon Counseling Center
What are Trauma Disorders?
Trauma disorders are mental disorders that are related to a traumatic experience or very stressful event. It occurs in those people who develop a mental health condition and can trace there trauma disorder directly to a situation as a cause. Not everyone who experiences a great deal of trauma will develop a mental health condition. It is important to seek treatment if you find yourself suffering from symptoms such as recurring flashbacks, avoidance or block in memories of the event, nightmares and high levels of anxiety which continue for more than a month after the traumatic event. If not treated, trauma disorders can lead to serious complications ranging from social problems to depression to suicide.
Types of Trauma Disorders
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
- Adjustment Disorders
- Childhood Trauma Disorders
Trauma Disorder Symptoms
- Flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, & nightmares
- Suicidal thoughts & behaviors
- Depression and feelings of helplessness
- Intense anxiety & fear
- Feeling a loss of control
- Distant from friends & family
- Numb to emotions & difficulty feeling happy
- Lack of appetite
- Angry or violent outbursts
- Impulsiveness
- Extreme startle response (On edge at all times)
Treatment for Trauma Disorders
Our mental health professionals provide treatment that will help patients find a way to cope with trauma they are experiencing and begin to live a happier and more productive life. We offer therapy that will focus on the trauma such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Patients will learn how to manage their triggers, negative emotions, and unhelpful responses through this therapy method. There is also exposure therapy where patients can face their trauma or bad memories in a safe environment with support and guidance from our experts. Facing what is haunting you and finding effective ways to deal with them in a healthy and positive manner will heal the trauma.
It is also important to get support from loved ones, become dedicated to overcoming bad memories, and create positive lifestyle changes.

Amanda Roberts Ph,D,
MA Clinical Psychologist Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Dr. Amanda Roberts has 34 years of experience in the mental health field and 20 years of deep immersion and expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy, EMDR.
EMDR is a robust evidence-based psychotherapy approach that is cost effective, culturally portable and endorsed by the World Health Organization. The approach is used to treat many conditions ranging from trauma with all of its complexities, to addictions, chronic pain, migraines, phobias, problematic behaviors, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety. Dr. Roberts is also trained in hypnosis and a variety of mind-body modalities. She has a growing interest in the neurobiological basis of effective psychotherapies and, in particular, neuroplasticity.
Dr. Roberts’ approach is one of warmth, compassion and respect for the strengths within the person with the firm conviction that effective therapy involves a collaborative partnership informed by the patient’s innate wisdom and resilience. It is the quality of the therapeutic relationship based on a foundation of trust, safety and a caring connection that provides the most curative element in treatment. She is known for her creativity, passion, fearlessness, easy humor and deep commitment to the welfare of her patients. Your work with her will be solution focused, equip you with tools for living your life more joyfully and freely and will involve a practical problem-solving approach.
I worked with Dr. Amanda Roberts for several months in the spring and summer of 2018. Beginning with the initial session, and deepening over the subsequent months, she created and held a welcoming, open, trusting, and very deep space for our sessions together. She is a truly extraordinary and experienced therapist, with keen intuitions and insights. Together we established a very clear path and continuity in our sessions. She provided exceptional support and encouragement to explore underlying issues and themes. Our work was both enlightening and transformative. In summary, I cannot recommend Dr. Roberts highly enough.
- Anonymous
-J.S., Ph.D.
-Anonymous survivor of childhood abuse and cancer-J.S., Ph.D.
Professor Ian Barron of the University of Massachusetts. Center for International Studies EMDR colleague/researcher and consultant
-Anonymous survivor of childhood abuse and cancer-J.S., Ph.D.
Tired of dealing with Trauma-Related Disorders?

Contact Us
(571) 800-9909
admin@mountvernoncenter.com
625 Slaters Lane Suite 103, Alexandria, VA 22314
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