Understanding Trauma: A Key to Healing in Therapy

Trauma is a word that often evokes strong emotions and is a term that has come to the forefront of many conversations around mental health. It can be difficult to talk about, yet understanding trauma is essential for healing. For me, how we talk about trauma is the key to our success.

Many people experience trauma in different forms, and it can have lasting effects on our mental health. In therapy, addressing trauma, in a safe and controlled way, is a crucial step toward recovery. This blog post will explore what trauma is, how it affects us, and the role of therapy in the healing process.

Trauma can stem from various experiences, including accidents, war, abuse, loss, or natural disasters. Each person's experience of trauma is unique. What may be traumatic for one person might not be for another. This subjectivity is important to recognise and understand.

Understanding trauma is the first step in the healing journey. It allows you to acknowledge your feelings and experiences. This acknowledgment is vital for moving forward.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is often defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can disrupt a person's sense of safety and well-being. Trauma can be categorised into two main types: acute and chronic.

• Acute trauma results from a single event, such as a car accident or a sudden loss.

• Chronic trauma occurs from repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events, such as ongoing abuse or neglect.

  
  

Both types of trauma can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges.

Trauma can manifest in various ways and, therapeutically speaking, it is about what happens to us after an experience, rather than the event(s) themselves. Some common symptoms of a trauma response include:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Depression and mood swings

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep patterns

  
  

Recognising these symptoms is crucial to be able to identify and seek the right kind of support.

The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Trauma can have a profound impact on mental health. It can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression.

PTSD is a common response to trauma. It can cause individuals to relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares. People with PTSD may also experience heightened anxiety and emotional numbness.

Anxiety disorders can also develop as a result of trauma. Individuals may feel constantly on edge or fearful. This can lead to avoidance behaviours, where they steer clear of situations that remind them of the trauma.

Depression is another potential outcome. Individuals may feel hopeless, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, or struggle with feelings of worthlessness.

Understanding these impacts is essential for both individuals and therapists. It helps in creating effective treatment plans.

Those who may have experienced consistent and ongoing trauma at a young age may develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPST). People with CPSTD may have experienced childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence or long-term exposure to difficult situations. As a result, you may experience dissociation and emptiness, avoid things that remind you of your trauma, feel like or be in a constant state of hypervigilance, have a negative self image, struggle to feel joy or positive emotions and experience difficulty in building and maintain positive relationships. CPST can be a debilitating condition, however recovery is certainly possible.

The Role of Therapy in Healing

Therapy can play a pivotal role in healing from trauma. It provides a safe space for you to explore your feelings and experiences. There are various therapeutic approaches that can be effective in treating trauma, all of which focus on you and your experiences. With the right therapist and approach, healing can happen.

Finding the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist is essential for effective healing. You should look for a therapist who specialises in trauma and uses evidence-based approaches. Your therapist will be able to adapt their therapeutic approach to work in a way that best suits your needs on your healing journey.

It is essential to find someone with whom you feel comfortable. A strong therapeutic relationship is necessary to the healing process. This type of therapy is usually a slow and methodical process whereby you learn to trust your therapist and they get to know more about you and how your body works after the trauma. Together, you can return to how life was before you experience trauma or find your way to in a new place where life is more manageable and enjoyable.

Building a Support System

In addition to therapy, building a support system is crucial for healing. Friends, family, and support groups can provide you with essential understanding and encouragement.

Having a support system can help you feel less isolated. It can also provide a safe space to learn to share your feelings and experiences.

Self-Care Strategies for Healing

In addition to therapy, self-care is vital for healing from trauma. Here are some effective self-care strategies:

• Mindfulness and meditation: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded and present. There is no right way to do this, finding a practise that works for you is the best place to start. There is an abundance of free online resources that you can tap in to.

  
  

• Physical activity: Exercise can boost mood and reduce anxiety. Finding an activity that works for you, even just a leisurely stroll, can be a fundamental addition to any trauma recovery process.

  
  

• Creative expression: Engaging in creative activities, such as art or writing, can provide an outlet for our emotions. Whether it's painting, singing or journaling, finding a creative outlet has helped many people on their healing journeys.

  
  

• Healthy routines: It is well established that having a regular sleep schedule and balanced diet can support overall well-being. There are many parts to healthy living and it can be important to explore what this might look like for yourself.

  
  

Incorporating these strategies into daily life can enhance the healing process.

The Journey of Healing

Healing from trauma is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort. You may experience setbacks along the way, but that is a normal part of the process.

It is important to be patient with yourself. Each step taken toward healing is significant. For me, journeying with curiosity and compassion are two tools that make the process effective and manageable. We look to understand, seek to make peace with and learn to reintegrate the parts of ourselves that were lost, forgotten or never had the chance to develop.

Celebrating Progress

Recognising and celebrating progress is important. You should acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. This can help build confidence and motivation to continue the healing journey. When climbing a mountain, every step is a step closer to the summit; sometimes it helps to pause, take a breath and look back at how far we have come. In doing so we often find the courage and determination to take the next step.

Moving Forward

Understanding trauma is a key component of healing. It allows us to recognise our experiences and seek help. Therapy provides valuable tools and support for navigating the healing process.

By building a support system and practicing self-care, you truly are enhancing your healing journey.

Healing from trauma is possible. It may take time, but with the right support and strategies, you can move forward.