Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime by a car accident, betrayal in a relationship, a violent crime, or sudden death of a loved one. While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends, others may discover the effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress long after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a trauma-informed therapist are fundamental to the healing process.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma refers to an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event or experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope. Traumatic events can vary widely in their nature and intensity.
When we think of someone who has experienced trauma, we typically think of a veteran returning home from war or being robbed at gunpoint. In my work with active and retired military and first responders, these experiences may be quite traumatic for some, but does not guarantee the same for all.
Remember, trauma is anything that overloads your capacity to cope at the time of the incident and continues to be emotionally challenging thereafter. The sudden loss of a loved one, learning about infidelity in your marriage, or being in a car accident can also be extremely traumatic to your emotional system.
Symptoms of Trauma
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
What Is Relational Trauma?
Relational trauma refers to traumatic experiences that occur within the context of relationships with others. Unlike some forms of trauma that result from a single event, relational trauma often arises from prolonged or repeated experiences of abuse, neglect, or betrayal within a relationship. Common examples include child sexual abuse or neglect and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.
Trauma can also be experienced by individuals who are bullied at school or in the workplace, emotional or psychological manipulation, such as gaslighting, or traumatic loss of a significant relationship through abandonment, rejection, or death.
Relational trauma can have profound effects on a person's sense of self, their ability to trust others, and their capacity for healthy relationships. It may lead to difficulties in forming and maintaining close connections, as well as challenges with regulating emotions and managing interpersonal conflicts.
Treatment For Trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. Evidence-based therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are frequently used to help individuals understand and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma. Additionally, support groups and community resources can provide validation, understanding, and connection for individuals who have experienced trauma.
Help Is Available
As a trauma-informed therapist, I will help free you from the overwhelming, debilitating symptoms of your trauma by creating a safe and trusting therapeutic environment. Empowerment and collaboration regarding your individualized care are also paramount in our work together. Let's turn your pain into purpose!