Have you had a traumatic experience? 

Trauma comes in many forms. There’s “capital T” Trauma, which includes experiencing or witnessing a violent attack, sexual assault, natural disaster, medical emergency, or any other physically harmful or potentially fatal event. But there’s also “small t” trauma, which could involve a painful breakup, childhood rejection, public humiliation, personal loss, or any other frightening or disturbing experience. Trauma can develop after long-term mistreatment, such as parental neglect or social discrimination. It can also occur vicariously after learning about the traumatic experiences of others. First responders like firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and military personnel are exposed to potentially traumatizing events every day. Moreover, the symptoms of trauma can take years or even decades to emerge.

What is trauma?

“Trauma” doesn’t describe an objective event but rather your subjective psychological response to that event. In other words, an event is only traumatic if you’ve been traumatized by it. Trauma occurs when your brain is so overwhelmed by what’s happening that it cannot process the experience and so it stores the memories in a “raw” format. This means that, even if the event occurred months, years, or decades ago, your nervous system thinks that it just happened or is still happening. Symptoms of trauma may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, hypervigilance, dissociation, rumination, and a heightened sensitivity to stress. Trauma can shatter your sense of safety, trust, and control and affect your ability to function in relationships, at work, or in daily life. While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the classic example of a trauma-induced disorder, some people experience symptoms of trauma at a sub-clinical threshold.

Research-backed treatment

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on the negative beliefs about yourself, others, the world, and the future that may have developed after your traumatic experience and that may be sustaining your unpleasant symptoms or unhealthy behaviours. For example, many people form the belief “I am never safe” after a traumatic event, which results in them feeling constantly on edge and avoiding leaving their home. While they may logically understand that this belief is inaccurate, it nevertheless feels true. Together, we’ll use CBT to identify and challenge your negative beliefs, aiming to replace them with a healthier outlook that’s conducive with your personal goals. CBT isn’t about what you “should” or “shouldn’t” think - it’s about genuinely shifting your mindset in ways that you deem best. Read more about CBT here.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) was originally developed as a treatment for PTSD. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation - typically horizontal eye movements - to reprocess traumatic memories and the associated negative beliefs and integrate them into your view of the world in an adaptive way. Read more about EMDR here.

Mindfulness practices, which have been a part of Eastern philosophy for millennia and which were embraced by Western psychology in the 1970s, can also be helpful in alleviating symptoms of trauma. Mindfulness encourages awareness and acceptance of your thoughts and feelings as they arise as well as kindness and compassion towards yourself and others. Additionally, mindfulness fosters a sense of grounding in the present moment - which can be especially beneficial if you feel overcome by vivid memories. Read more about mindfulness here.

We can talk about it… but we don’t have to

Some people find it cathartic to go over (and over) the details of what happened. Other people are too distressed by the memory to share their story. I’ll provide a welcoming and judgement-free space wherein you’ll be free to tell me as much or as little as you feel comfortable. You don’t have to discuss your experiences to alleviate your symptoms of trauma. What matters most is that you feel safe and in control. If you’re experiencing symptoms of “capital T” Trauma or “small t” trauma, then contact me using the form below or email me at sue@suebedfordpsychotherapy.com to book a free consultation. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!