With specialized training in trauma treatment, I work with my clients to disentangle the collection of body sensations, emotions, thoughts, and memories that are the typical result of traumatic experiences.
Trauma Development
Trauma occurs when we think we are going to die and we feel powerless to act (a real threat or a perceived threat can produce the same response). At the time of the original event, the limbic system in the brain was activated and triggered the body to automatically engage the processes that allow us to fight, run, or freeze, in order to save our lives. If we were able to do what was necessary at the time, the brain brought the body back to balance and we were able to integrate the experience.
If, however, we were not able to do what was necessary, if, for example, we were told that we'd be harmed if we tried to run or yell, then the pattern for that needed action is stored in the body, and is easily triggered. The limbic brain, not brought back to balance, begins to interpret more things as threats, and easily triggers the body, to defend itself. Once triggered, the present "threat" is confused with the past trauma and results in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms such as:- Anxiety or panic, including panic attacks
- Sudden sweats or heart palpitations
- Nightmares or sleep disorders
- Intrusive thoughts of the trauma or of perceived danger
- A constant sense of alertness
- A sense of numbness
- Depression
- An inability to relax or feel pleasure
Trauma can include:
- Verbal/physical/sexual abuse
- Accidents
- Surgeries
- Natural disasters
- Neglect
- Observing any of the above
Healing Trauma
Recovery from trauma is accomplished by:- Learning to manage symptoms, including:
- identifying and modulating emotions, body sensations, and thoughts
- reestablishing connection to strengths and abilities
- Exploring and processing the memories without re-experiencing the trauma
- Integrating the learning into daily life, and addressing the current issues that exist as a result of coping with the trauma