June is PTSD Awareness Month

Therapy That Meets You Where You Are

At BestLife Counseling Services, we don’t just acknowledge PTSD Awareness Month—we live the mission behind it. As a veteran-owned practice, we understand firsthand the lasting effects trauma can have, particularly for those who’ve served. But we also know that PTSD is not limited to veterans, and we’re here to support everyone impacted by trauma, no matter where they come from or where they are in their healing journey.

What PTSD Really Is - and Who It Affects

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While commonly associated with military service and combat exposure, PTSD affects millions of Americans from all walks of life.

PTSD can result from:

• Military combat or training trauma

• Physical or sexual assault

• Domestic violence or abuse

• Car accidents or near-death experiences

• Life-threatening illnesses or hospitalizations

• Childhood trauma or neglect

• Natural disasters

• Birth trauma, including emergency deliveries or NICU stays

• Sudden loss of a loved one

In other words: trauma is more common than most people think, and PTSD doesn’t discriminate. Men, women, teenagers, and children can all experience PTSD, and many suffer in silence because their trauma isn’t recognized or talked about.

What PTSD Looks Like in Everyday Life

PTSD doesn’t always look dramatic or obvious. In fact, many people go years without realizing their anxiety, irritability, or trouble sleeping is trauma-related. Common signs include:

• Frequent nightmares or insomnia

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Irritability, emotional outbursts, or mood swings

• Feeling numb or disconnected from others

• Avoiding places, people, or topics that remind them of trauma

• Difficulty concentrating or staying present

• Feeling constantly “on edge” or hyperaware of surroundings

• Loss of interest in things that once brought joy

• Increased use of alcohol or substances to cope

If these symptoms feel familiar—either in yourself or a loved one—it may be time to talk with a therapist trained to help.

Recognizing PTSD in Loved Ones

One of the most important ways we can support those living with PTSD is by recognizing the signs in others. If your partner, parent, friend, or adult child has experienced trauma (especially military trauma), watch for:

• Emotional withdrawal or silence

• Anger or frustration that seems out of proportion

• Avoiding crowds, travel, or new environments

• Reluctance to talk about their past or share emotions

• Trouble maintaining relationships or routines

It’s not always easy to bring up mental health with someone you love, but sometimes just asking, “How are you really doing?” opens the door to healing.

Why BestLife: Veteran-Owned, Trauma-Informed and Accessible

We understand that reaching out for help takes courage. As a veteran-owned counseling practice, BestLife is built on the belief that asking for support is a strength, not a weakness. 

Our team includes professionals and therapists trained specifically in treating trauma, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

And we get that not everyone wants to—or can—walk into a therapist’s office. That’s why we offer therapy at multiple levels to fit your comfort and lifestyle.

Therapy Options at BestLife Counseling Services

We’re proud to offer care that is flexible, confidential, and tailored to you:

• Outpatient Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling for trauma, anxiety, depression, and stress—designed to help you process trauma and build tools to move forward.

• Telehealth Services: Secure, HIPAA-compliant therapy from the comfort of your home. Available across New Jersey and ideal for those with transportation challenges or privacy concerns.

• Family & Couples Counseling: PTSD doesn’t only affect one person. Therapy for spouses, partners, or families can help improve communication and strengthen support systems.

• Specialized Trauma Therapies: Our clinicians are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brainspotting, and other trauma-informed methods proven to reduce symptoms and improve emotional regulation.

Therapy for Veterans, First Responders, and Civilians: Whether your trauma stems from military service, personal experience, or something you’ve carried quietly for years, we’re here to meet you with respect, not judgment.

Healing Happens with Support

PTSD is treatable. You don’t have to live in a cycle of avoidance, anger, or emotional shutdown. And you don’t need to wait until it gets “bad enough” to ask for help.

At BestLife, we offer compassionate care that meets you where you are, with flexible scheduling and options to support you at your own pace. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, now is a good time to take that first step.

Contact BestLife

BestLife Counseling Services is proud to support veterans, families, and individuals throughout Cape May and Atlantic Counties—and through telehealth, anywhere in New Jersey. Get started today. Call us at (609) 486-2003 or visit www.bestlifenj.com to learn more or request an appointment.

Because healing doesn’t start with perfection—it starts with permission.