The word “trauma” has moved into the mainstream lexicon in such a way that its original meaning has been lost. In psychology and neurobiology, trauma has a very specific meaning (I’ll save the science for the nerd corner). Each of us has a different threshold for trauma, so what is traumatic for one, may not be for the next. There are many types of trauma, from specific events like car crashes or physical assaults, to the covert trauma like emotional abuse or shame.
If you have experienced an event that has negatively affected how you see yourself, the world, and your relationships, then you have experienced a trauma. Most of us have had these experiences. Some of us may not realize how we’ve been affected. If you experienced something that left you feeling disconnected, fearful, angry, or unable to rest or relax, you might be suffering from the affects of trauma.
I have specialized knowledge and skill sets for working with the results of trauma. Trauma can cause the following:
- memory difficulties
- flashbacks
- sleep disturbance or insomnia
- sense of isolation
- avoiding the people or things associated with the incident
- feeling of not being connected to your body
- fearful anticipation (hyper-vigilance)
These are a few of the possible responses to trauma. If this fits for you, I can help you reclaim the strengths and resources you had before the event. Our work together will be gentle enough to manage the process without being overwhelmed. This is the foremost idea behind trauma therapy. The trauma event was overwhelming, the therapy shouldn’t be as well.
If you have questions about this process, I’m happy to answer them. Please feel free to contact me.