East Point Behavioral Health: What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. Traumatic experiences can vary widely and may include events like natural disasters, accidents, physical or emotional abuse, or sudden loss. Trauma affects each individual differently. What one person finds traumatic may not have the same impact on another person.
There are several different types of trauma. The two main types include acute trauma and chronic trauma. Acute trauma results from a single, one-time event, whereas chronic trauma occurs when someone experiences prolonged or repeated traumatic events. Complex trauma involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often of an interpersonal nature. Secondary trauma occurs when individuals are indirectly affected by trauma, often witnessing or hearing about the trauma experienced by others.
Who Is Affected by Trauma?
Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or life experience. While trauma affects people differently, certain individuals may be at a higher risk than others. For instance, children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to the effects of trauma, as their brains and emotional regulation systems are still developing. Other higher risk individuals include survivors of abuse or violence, military personnel and veterans, first responders and healthcare workers, and refugees and immigrants. If left unaddressed, unresolved trauma leads to conditions like PTSD, anxiety disorders, or depression. Seeking professional help is a critical step toward recovery. A skilled trauma therapist can help individuals process and heal from their experiences.


What Causes Trauma?
Trauma is caused by any experience that feels intensely distressing, life-threatening, or overwhelming. It leaves a lasting impact on a person’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Trauma isn’t limited to certain events; instead it’s defined by an individual’s response to those events. Some people experience lasting trauma following a stressful experience, while others may only experience trauma symptoms that reduce over time. Some of the most common causes of trauma include:
- Violence and physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Accidents and injuries
- Natural disasters and wildfires
- Witnessing violence, such as gun violence or riots
- Chronic illness, injury, or medical emergencies
- Death of loved one, divorce, or relationship breakup
- Neglect or childhood adversity
- War and armed conflict
- Bullying or harassment
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma symptoms often arise as a response to experiencing, witnessing, or even hearing about a deeply distressing event. They can vary widely, though common symptoms emerge in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical ways. For instance, the emotional symptoms of trauma include fear and anxiety, guilt and shame, anger and irritability, sadness and depression, and emotional numbness. The cognitive symptoms of trauma can lead to distortions in thinking and disruptions in concentration and memory.
The behavioral symptoms of trauma include avoidance of triggers, hypervigilance, social withdrawal, an exaggerated startle response, and risky behaviors. There are also physical symptoms to pay attention to, such as fatigue and exhaustion, sleep disturbances, headaches and muscle tension, and digestive issues. Other mental health disorders can also result from trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders.


Treating Trauma and Trauma Symptoms in Massachusetts
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
Family Therapy
Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) for Trauma
East Point Behavioral Health offers trauma-informed therapy on an outpatient basis. This means that you can live at home and continue working, going to school, or maintaining your household responsibilities while receiving specialized treatment. You’ll be gradually feeling better and able to apply the skills you are learning in therapy to your everyday life. You’ll also have peer support from the other members in your program, preventing you from feeling alone and isolated. Our Massachusetts program lasts 10-12 weeks and is designed to help you get past your traumatic experiences.
The benefits of our trauma treatment program include:
Specialized Trauma-Informed Therapists
Structure and Routine
Flexibility and Coping Skills


Do I Qualify for Intensive Outpatient Services in Massachusetts?
At East Point Behavioral Health, we provide personalized mental health care in Massachusetts for adults aged 18 and older. Our Intensive Outpatient Services (IOS) are ideal for those stepping down from inpatient hospitalization or seeking more structured support than traditional outpatient care. With a focus on immediate intervention and compassionate treatment, we ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most. Contact us today to take the first step toward mental health recovery.
Start Trauma-Informed Therapy in Massachusetts
If you or a loved one has been through a traumatic experience and haven’t recovered, this isn’t the end of your story. Your trauma is not your fault, but you can be part of the solution. If you’re seeking trauma therapy in Massachusetts, East Point Behavioral Health is here to help. In addition to in-person care in Beverly, MA, we proudly offer statewide virtual trauma therapy, allowing you to access our services from the comfort of your home. Our compassionate, evidence-based trauma care is designed to guide you through recovery, wherever you are. Contact us today to learn more about our trauma therapy services, stress relief programs, and mental health support options. Begin your journey toward healing and reclaim the fulfilling life you deserve.