What is Trauma Anyway?

Trauma is a term that is common to hear, but what does it actually mean? In essence, trauma is an emotional response to an intense or distressing event. These events can vary widely, but the impact they leave on a person can be profound and long-lasting.

What is Trauma?

Trauma occurs when an individual experiences an event, or series of events, that overwhelm their ability to cope. It’s not just the event itself, but how it’s perceived and processed by the individual. What might be a stressful experience for one person can be deeply traumatic for another depending on their past experiences, emotional resilience, and support systems.

What Events Are Considered Trauma?

Trauma can stem from various experiences. Here are some of the major ways trauma can show up in people’s lives: 

  1. Physical or emotional abuse: Whether in childhood or adulthood, any form of abuse can leave lasting emotional scars.
  2. Neglect or abandonment: Often occurring in childhood, these experiences can disrupt emotional and psychological development.
  3. Accidents or natural disasters: Sudden and unexpected events, like car accidents or earthquakes, can lead to trauma.
  4. Witnessing violence: Seeing violence, whether in the home or community, can be traumatic, especially for children.
  5. Loss of a loved one: The death of someone close can trigger deep grief and trauma, especially if the loss was sudden or violent.
  6. Medical procedures: Invasive or frightening medical treatments, especially for children, can be a source of trauma.
  7. War or combat: Veterans and civilians alike can experience trauma from exposure to combat or war-related events.

How Trauma Impacts People

The effects of trauma are diverse and can manifest in various ways depending on the individual and their specific experiences. Some common impacts include:

  • Emotional symptoms: Anxiety, depression, and overwhelming feelings of fear or sadness.
  • Physical symptoms: Chronic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues without an apparent medical cause.
  • Behavioral changes: Difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, or increased substance use.
  • Relational struggles: Challenges in forming or maintaining relationships, often linked to trust issues or attachment difficulties.
  • Mental health disorders: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, or depression can develop as a result of unresolved trauma.

Healing Through Trauma Therapy

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, it’s important to understand that healing is possible. Several effective therapies for childhood trauma can help individuals process their trauma and begin the journey toward recovery.

  1. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements. This process helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and allows individuals to integrate these experiences into their overall life narrative.

  2. Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is similar to EMDR in that it uses eye movements or bilateral tapping.  A key feature of ART is its focus on changing how a person visualizes troubling or traumatic memories. Rather than reliving the memory in its original form, the client is guided to “rescript” the memory into something more positive or neutral.
  3. Somatic Experiencing (SE): SE  is a body-focused therapy that helps individuals release trauma stored in the body. It emphasizes the connection between mind and body, encouraging individuals to become aware of physical sensations and gradually release tension and trauma-related stress held in the body.
  4. Attachment-Based Therapy: This approach focuses on the bonds we form with others, particularly in early life. It’s especially beneficial for those who have experienced childhood trauma or disruptions in attachment during critical developmental periods.
  5. Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS is based on the idea that the mind is made up of different “parts,” each with its own perspective and role. Childhood trauma often leads to the development of protective or reactive parts. IFS helps individuals identify and heal these parts, fostering a more harmonious and integrated sense of self.
  6. Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), teach individuals to stay present and observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help reduce anxiety and stress related to traumatic memories and improve overall emotional regulation.

Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact, but with the right support individuals can heal and regain influence of their lives. Rooted Counseling & Wellness offers a wide variety of trauma therapies in Draper and South Jordan. You don’t have to face trauma alone—help is just a call away. 

Written by Betsy McKinney

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