Trauma

Trauma can occur as a single incident or a series of events that can be disturbing or life-threatening to a person, and affect not only their emotional responses, but also their overall functioning. While some may believe trauma to only occur in specific situations or in targeted populations, research shows the lifetime likelihood of exposure to at least one traumatic event is more than 70% in the United States alone.

Situations that can be regarded as traumatic exist within a board spectrum ranging from abuse and neglect to oppression and discrimination. Regardless of the trauma experience, identifying how one has adapted to life post-trauma is important as that event could influence how one see themselves and engages in the world around them. Using the teachings of neuroscience, somatic experiencing, and cognitive behavioral interventions, clients can re-learn how to have a healthy relationship with life without living in fear that their traumas are reoccurring in their present.

Normal Trauma Reactions

  • Avoidance

    A protective strategy used to manage unwanted symptoms. Some people may decide to avoid people, places, and/or things that may remind them of their traumatic experience.

  • Intrusive Memories

    Experiencing unwanted and uncontrollable images, dreams, nightmares or flashbacks of specific details or events relating to their trauma. This happens because the part of the brain that oversees information processing shuts down during the traumatic events, leaving some with a fragmented memory.

  • Mood Changes

    One can experience changes in their mood varying from anxiety, anger, shame or even guilt. These changes are can be identified with bodily responses to potential trauma triggers, real or perceived.

  • Behavioral and Thought Changes

    Due to the inability to control or change the outcome of a frightening or traumatic event, some individuals thinking and behavioral patterns may shift as a response. Thoughts around safety, trust, and hope towards the future are often reflected in their behavioral responses or internal dialogue.