Navigating the Loss of Safety After a Traumatic Event in Northern Virginia
Grief isn’t just about losing a loved one. When we think of grief, we often associate it with the loss of a loved one—be it a parent, spouse, child, friend, or even a cherished pet. While these are profound losses, grief can extend far beyond the loss of a person. It can also emerge from losing a role, identity, home, or even a sense of safety.
One of the most overlooked forms of grief is the loss of safety. Experiencing a traumatic event, like an assault or a break-in, can strip away the sense of security you once had, leaving you feeling vulnerable and anxious. Even when the immediate danger has passed, and you know you’re no longer in harm’s way, the emotional toll can linger for weeks, months, or longer.
This feeling of lost safety can be especially overwhelming when the traumatic event occurs in a place you once considered safe—your favorite park, your local coffee shop, or even your own home. These spaces, once sources of comfort and joy, can become tainted with fear and anxiety.
When Trauma Turns Into PTSD
Losing your sense of safety after a traumatic event can lead to symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The brain and body struggle to process the intensity of what happened, leading to overwhelming emotions and physical reactions. Symptoms of PTSD might include:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the event
Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Heightened anxiety and hypervigilance
Irritability and emotional outbursts
If the traumatic event happened in your home, these symptoms can be even harder to manage. Your home is meant to be a place of safety and comfort, but after a break-in or a similar traumatic event, it can feel like a constant reminder of what happened. You might struggle with feeling relaxed, sleeping peacefully, or even staying in the home.
Grieving the Loss of Safety
It’s important to acknowledge that after a traumatic event, you’re not just recovering from what happened—you’re also grieving the loss of safety, trust, and normalcy. This form of grief is valid and deserves attention, even if it doesn’t involve the loss of a person.
You may feel scared, angry, lost, or overwhelmed, even if you or your loved ones are physically safe now. These feelings are natural, and addressing them is the first step toward healing.
Finding Safety Again With EMDR Therapy in Northern Virginia
Recovering from trauma and rebuilding your sense of safety is possible, and therapy can help. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a highly effective treatment for reducing symptoms of PTSD and acute stress, especially for individuals who’ve recently experienced a traumatic event.
As an EMDR therapist based in Northern Virginia, I specialize in helping clients who’ve experienced a loss of safety due to trauma. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by symptoms such as:
Flashbacks and intrusive memories
Hypervigilance and fear
Irritability and tension
Panic attacks and emotional distress
Through the 8-phase EMDR treatment process, clients can reprocess the traumatic memory in a way that reduces its emotional charge. Over time, this allows them to think about the event without feeling as triggered or reactive.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they are stored as past events rather than ongoing threats. After EMDR therapy, many clients report:
A calmer, more settled feeling when thinking about the traumatic event
Fewer physical symptoms, such as rapid heart rate or tension in the body
Reduced flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
Greater ability to focus on the present moment
The EMDR Institute states that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions.
Why EMDR Therapy Is Effective for Recent Trauma
After a recent traumatic event, your brain may feel "stuck" in survival mode, replaying the memory and keeping you on high alert. EMDR therapy helps shift your brain out of this state by addressing the trauma directly and giving you tools to process it more effectively.
For clients in Northern Virginia, I offer virtual EMDR therapy to make the process as accessible and convenient as possible. Whether you’re grieving the loss of safety after a break-in, an assault, or another traumatic event, EMDR therapy can help you regain control and feel safe again.
Taking the First Step Toward Healing
Trauma often involves grief, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, your sense of safety, or your sense of self. These losses deserve recognition and care. If you’re struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event and the loss of safety, know that help is available.
Virtual EMDR therapy for trauma in Northern Virginia can provide the support and tools you need to heal. Together, we’ll work to reduce the emotional weight of your trauma, rebuild your sense of safety, and help you move forward with confidence.
Ready to take the first step? Contact me today to learn more about how EMDR therapy can help you process your trauma and find peace.
I’m Kate Regnier, owner and therapist at Regnier Restorative Counseling, and I’m an EMDR Therapist and LCSW who works with adults who experience flashbacks, intrusive images, avoidance, and other PTSD symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event in Northern Virginia. I’m a fully virtual therapist who sees clients in NOVA and the following states: MD, DC, MI & IN.
Contact me through my website or by email at rrcounseling.info@gmail.com
Disclaimer* The content provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. While I strive to ensure the accuracy of the information shared, I cannot guarantee that all information is current or correct. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions based on this post.
