Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma and PTSD Therapy in Towson, Maryland

The Maryland Anxiety Center provides therapy for trauma- and stressor-related disorders in Towson, Maryland. Our practice takes a cognitive behavioral approach, with recommendations guided by an assessment of your individual needs.

What are Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders?

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders occur when an individual experiences significant distress following exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Each person’s symptoms may manifest quite differently. Some experience a classic anxiety or fear-based response, while others may feel they’re no longer able to experience positive emotions, others may experience dissociative symptoms (feeling detached from oneself/reality), and some may display angry and/or irritable behavior and/or a combination of many.

Such symptoms develop after being exposed to a traumatic or stressful event, such as being in a life-threatening situation, being physically assaulted or raped, seeing another person killed /dead or badly injured, or hearing about a traumatic event that occurred to a close family member or friend.

What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD occurs when a person has been exposed to a traumatic event or situation as described above and they subsequently develop distressing and life interfering symptoms that last more than 1 month such as:

• Recurrent & unwanted intrusive images & memories of the event
• Recurrent distressing dreams
• Dissociative reactions such as flashbacks
• Intense & prolonged psychological distress and/or physiological sensations when triggered by cues (internal or external) that remind them of the event
• Avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts & feelings about the event
• Avoidance of reminders of the event
• An inability to remember important aspects of the event, negative or exaggerated beliefs about oneself or the world, difficulty experiencing positive emotions, loss of interest in formerly pleasurable activities, irritable mood or angry outbursts, etc.
• Increased physical arousal & hyper-vigilance

What is Acute Stress Disorder?

The criteria and symptoms of acute stress disorder are similar to PTSD but typically begin immediately after the trauma, persist for at least 3 days but no more than 1 month. The onset of symptoms in PTSD may begin later and must last longer than 1 month to receive the diagnosis.

What are Adjustment Disorders?

Adjustment disorders occur when a person develops emotional or behavioral distress in response to a life stressor within 3 months of the event or situation. The distress causes impairment in important areas of life functioning such as academic, social or occupational areas.

Our Approach to Trauma Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the standard approach at The Maryland Anxiety Center. It explores connections among thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Therapy includes learning different ways to evaluate situations and working on thinking and behavioral patterns that contribute to distress.

After your assessment, your therapist will explain the diagnosis, recommended approach, and reasons for that recommendation. You and your therapist will develop a plan together, tailored to your needs.

Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy.

Experience in Trauma and PTSD Therapy

John Donahue, Psy.D.

Dr. Donahue is a Maryland-licensed clinical psychologist whose areas of specialization include trauma-related disorders. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship focused on PTSD research and treatment at the Portland VA Medical Center.

Learn about John’s background and training

Casey Anderson, LCPC

Casey is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with national certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. His experience includes working with families at the Center for Child and Family Traumatic Stress at the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

Learn about Casey’s background and training

FAQs About Trauma Therapy

How do PTSD and acute stress disorder differ?
One distinction is duration: acute stress symptoms last three days to one month; PTSD symptoms persist longer. Diagnosis requires an assessment.

What approach does Maryland Anxiety Center use for therapy?
Our standard approach is CBT, which examines relationships among thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Your clinician will explain the recommended approach after an assessment.

Will therapy be tailored to my needs?
Yes. You and your therapist will collaborate on a plan that reflects your individual symptoms and needs.