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PTSD Counseling in Katy Texas

What Causes PTSD & Complex PTSD?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Complex PTSD is associated with prolonged or repeated trauma, often involving situations where escape feels difficult or impossible. Both can affect how individuals experience safety, relationships, and the world around them.

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Common contributing factors may include:

  • Military and Combat Experiences: Exposure to combat, life-threatening situations, violence, or traumatic loss.

  • Childhood Trauma: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or prolonged exposure to threatening environments.

  • Relationship Trauma: Domestic violence, coercive control, or repeated experiences of abuse and intimidation.

  • Accidents and Emergencies: Serious injuries, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, or life-threatening medical emergencies.

  • Physical or Sexual Assault: Experiences involving violence, violation, helplessness, or threats to personal safety.

  • Repeated Traumatic Exposure: Ongoing exposure to violence, exploitation, or dangerous circumstances over extended periods.

What Are Symptoms of PTSD & Complex PTSD?

PTSD can cause the mind and body to continue responding to danger long after a traumatic experience has ended. Complex PTSD may also involve persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, self-worth, and relationships. Symptoms vary between individuals and can significantly affect everyday functioning.

​Common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or recurring nightmares

  • Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle responses, or constantly feeling unsafe

  • Avoidance of people, places, situations, or reminders of traumatic experiences

  • Emotional numbness, detachment, or difficulty experiencing positive emotions

  • Irritability, anger, or difficulty managing emotional reactions

  • Persistent shame, guilt, self-blame, or negative beliefs about oneself

  • Difficulty trusting others, maintaining relationships, or feeling emotionally connected

  • Sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, or ongoing physical tension

What Treatment Modalities Do I Use for PTSD & Complex PTSD?

I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to trauma treatment. I begin by understanding each client's experiences, symptoms, personal history, and readiness for treatment. My goal is to help individuals process traumatic memories, develop healthier emotional responses, and rebuild a sense of safety, identity, and control.

The most common approaches I use for PTSD are:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

  • Analytical Psychology (Carl Jung)

  • Logotherapy (Viktor Frankl)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Existential Psychotherapy (Irvin Yalom)

  • Mindfulness & Meditation

Ready to finally address your PTSD?

© 2026 Houston Counseling PLLC

Supervised by Allison Cornell, LPC-S

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