What is trauma?
An experience can be considered traumatizing when it changes how we perceive ourselves, the world, and other people. For example, do we feel safe when we’re in the company of certain individuals, or specific circumstances? Does your confidence drop when you encounter situations that remind you of times you were unable to take action on your own behalf, or felt yourself to be in danger (emotionally, psychologically, or physically)?
You can ask yourself, do I avoid situations that remind me of something upsetting that happened? Do I have intrusive memories of a past experience, or stressful sensations when I think of something distressing (or I’m reminded of it), and it’s hard to shake it off? When a traumatizing experience remains raw and unresolved, its effects are lasting, and they interfere with a sense of well-being, that response might rise to the level of PTSD.
The effect of a traumatic experience depends on a lot of factors. Were we vulnerable when an upsetting event happened, making it more difficult than usual to move forward? Perhaps we were moving to a new state, or lost someone close to us, or we fell ill when an overwhelming situation arose.
Interestingly, though some remember an event as stressful and difficult, they do not re-live its physical, emotional, and psychological distress. There are many reasons why some remain traumatized by an experience, while others seem able to gradually resolve it and move on with their lives.
Situations that make it difficult to heal from painful experience:
- Experiences that reminds us of a childhood trauma
- Childhood developmental adversities such as abuse or neglect
- Witnessing violence or bullying
- Poverty, discrimination, loss of relationship with a loved one
- Accidents, natural and human-caused disasters, violent crimes, or personal attacks
Positive childhood experiences that act as protective barriers to trauma, provide lifelong support, and enable healing:
- Loving and supportive parenting
- Reliable relationships and environments
- Engaging with helpful others
- Having a sense of belonging with a family or community
- Opportunities for play and curiosity
- Supportive school experiences
- Feeling safe in the neighborhood and at home
How can trauma-focused psychotherapy help you heal from trauma?
- Understanding the story of what happened, and the people and circumstances that were part of it
- Rebuilding a sense of yourself, who you are, and who you want to be without the trauma
- Healing self-blame and feelings of shame for who you are
- Strengthening and repairing low self-esteem, and the loss of confidence that resulted from the trauma
Psychotherapy helps you learn the emotional and psychological skills and tools needed to rediscover yourself (or perhaps find yourself for the first time!), heal and better manage trauma symptoms, and strengthen your confidence and ability to cope.
Book an online appointment today for Trauma Focused Psychotherapy with Diana J Bowen.