Trauma is severe distress as a result of an unbearable event and may result in anger, anxiety, PTSD, sadness, guilt. Diagnostically, there are three types of trauma: Acute trauma as a result of a single incident, chronic trauma that is a result of continuous incidents such as violence or abuse, and complex trauma, which is a result of several intrusive interpersonal traumatic events.
Additionally, early childhood trauma may play a role in symptoms within an individual, such as their ability to manage stress, relationships, and other life situations.
We experience trauma in different ways, with emotional and/or physical responses, which are a normal response to traumatic events. These symptoms include:
Emotional & psychological symptoms:
- Shock, denial, or disbelief
- Confusion, difficulty concentrating
- Anger, irritability, mood swings
- Anxiety and fear
- Guilt, shame, self-blame
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Feeling disconnected or numb
Physical symptoms:
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Fatigue
- Being startled easily
- Difficulty concentrating
- Racing heartbeat
- Edginess and agitation
- Aches and pains
- Muscle tension
In our practice, we use trauma informed therapy.
Trauma Informed Therapy is an evidence-based, present-focused counseling model to help people attain safety from trauma and/or substance abuse. It can be conducted in groups of any size and/or individually. It is an extremely safe model as it directly addresses both trauma and addiction, but without requiring clients to delve into the detailed account of disturbing trauma memories. This more positive approach makes the therapy relevant to a very broad range of clients and easy to implement. This whole program helps our clients (you perhaps?) to find new, healthy coping skills and empowerment to look toward the future.