Trauma Informed Therapy
– shifts the focus from “What is wrong with you?” to What happened to you?”
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a deeply distressing experience that can have a profound impact on a person’s emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. It often results from overwhelming events such as rape, accidents, or natural disasters. These incidents can be singular catastrophic events or ongoing experiences of stress, abuse, or difficult situations. It is completely understandable to feel a wide range of intense emotions in response to trauma—shock, helplessness, and overwhelming feelings are common reactions.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and they continue or become more intense, it is important to seek help, as this may point to a more serious condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Remember, trauma can significantly affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and it is essential to address these deeply felt emotions in the interest of overall well-being. Healing from trauma is a journey, and it’s okay to seek support along the way. You are not alone in this.
What is Trauma Informed Therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy is a compassionate approach that truly recognizes the deep and lasting effects trauma can have on a person’s life. It strives to create a safe and nurturing environment where healing can take place. Rather than focusing on what’s perceived as wrong, this approach embraces the important question, “What happened to you?” By prioritizing your safety and well-being, trauma-informed therapy actively seeks to prevent any further trauma.
This method goes beyond simply addressing symptoms; it acknowledges the broader, often overwhelming impact of trauma on your ability to cope and live your life fully. Ultimately, the goal of trauma-informed therapy is to empower you, helping you rediscover a sense of control and self-efficacy as you navigate your unique healing journey. You are not alone in this process, and your story matters deeply.
Emotional/Psychological Trauma
This occurs as a result of experiencing or witnessing distressing events that overwhelm the person’s ability to cope. It can be caused by various situations such as the following:
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
Trauma from abuse, whether physical, emotional, or sexual—can shatter your sense of safety and deeply affect how you see yourself and the world around you. The pain from traumatic experiences can linger, causing feelings of shame, anxiety, and mistrust, making it hard to feel secure or connected to others. Healing from this kind of trauma is a difficult journey, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and support is available to help you navigate through the darkness.
Loss (death of a loved one, divorce)
The loss of someone you love, whether through death or divorce, can leave you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and uncertain about the future. Grief can take many forms, including sadness, anger, and confusion—and may shake your sense of identity and security. It is important to recognize that healing from such loss takes time, and it’s okay to grieve in your own way and at your own pace, knowing that support is there when you’re ready.
Accidents or natural disasters
Experiencing an accident or natural disaster can leave you feeling shaken and vulnerable as your sense of safety and control is suddenly stripped away. The trauma from such events can linger in the form of flashbacks, anxiety, or a deep fear or dread of the unexpected. It is entirely understandable to struggle in the aftermath of such events, and giving yourself grace as you process your difficult emotions is vital.
Witnessing violence or war
Witnessing violence or the horrors of war can leave deep emotional scars, as it forces you to confront unimaginable pain and suffering. The trauma from these experiences can disrupt your sense of safety and leave you feeling numb, helpless, or deeply anxious. It’s natural to carry these burdens with you, but remember, reaching out for support and allowing yourself time to heal is a powerful step toward finding peace again.
Bullying or Neglect
Bullying or neglect can make you feel insignificant, isolated, and deeply hurt, leaving lasting emotional scars affecting current and future relationships. When others treat you poorly or fail to care for you, it can make you question your self-worth and create feelings of sadness or fear. It is important to know that what happened to you is not your fault, and with time and support, you can heal and rebuild your sense of self.
Discrimination or chronic stress
Experiencing discrimination or facing chronic stress can wear you down, making you feel constantly overlooked, unheard, or powerless. Over time, the weight of feeling judged or under pressure can seriously affect your mental, physical, and emotional well-being, leaving you feeling anxious, exhausted, or disconnected. It is important to acknowledge that these feelings are valid, and with the proper support, you can work toward healing and finding peace.
The Impact of Trauma
The impact of trauma can vary greatly from person to person. For some, it leads to acute stress reactions, which may resolve over time. For others, trauma can develop into longer-lasting issues like:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A condition that occurs when someone experiences persistent emotional and physical symptoms after a traumatic event, such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors.
Anxiety, Depression, and other Mental Health Disorders
Trauma can profoundly affect your mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, or other struggles that may seem hard to shake. You may feel overwhelmed by worry, sadness, or a sense of hopelessness that can make everyday life feel heavier. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this, and with support and time, healing is possible, even when it feels difficult.
Emotional Numbness
Trauma can sometimes leave you feeling emotionally numb as if you are disconnected from your body and feelings or unable to experience joy or even sadness. This numbness is your mind’s way of protecting you from overwhelming pain, but it can also make you feel distant from others or like you are just going through the motions (simply surviving). It is okay to feel this way, and with time and support, you can begin to reconnect with your emotions and find your way toward emotional healing.
Changes in Behavior
Trauma can cause changes in behavior, making you act in ways that feel out of character, like withdrawing from others, becoming more impulsive, or feeling restless. These changes are often your mind’s response to the pain and confusion you are experiencing, and they can feel difficult to understand and control. It is important to be kind to yourself during this time and recognize that with the proper support, you can begin to understand these shifts in behavior and find a path to healing.
Difficulty in Relationships
Trauma can make it hard to trust others or feel fully connected in relationships, even with people you care about. You might find yourself pushing others away, feeling distant, or afraid of being hurt again. It is important to understand that these struggles are a normal response to your pain, and with time, self-compassion, and support, you can work toward building healthy, supportive connections again.
How People Respond to Trauma
Fight – Confronting the threat head-on, becoming aggressive or defensive to overcome it.
Flight – Fleeing from danger, attempting to escape the situation to preserve safety.
Freeze – Becoming immobilized, feeling stuck, dissociated, or unable to act in the face of threat. This can include emotional numbness, disconnection from your surroundings, or even a “shutdown” response in extreme situations.
Faun – A lesser-known but increasingly recognized trauma response that refers to people-pleasing or fawning behaviors. In this response, the person may attempt to placate the aggressor or source of threat to avoid harm or conflict. It involves being hyper-attuned to the needs and emotions of others, often to the detriment of your own well-being.
Healing from trauma often requires addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the experience. This can involve therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), talk therapy, and support from friends, family, or support groups.
Get In Touch
Call (720) 898-3208
Text (720) 722-1192
info@70westcounseling.com
Address
5310 Ward Road, Suite 110, Arvada, CO 80002
Hours
Mon – Fri: 9am – 9pm
Saturday: 10am – 3pm
Sunday: Closed