Trauma Therapy

Understanding Trauma

Trauma refers to the emotional fallout from distressing experiences, such as accidents, abuse, recurring traumatic events, or natural disasters. Those who have faced such challenges often find themselves struggling with shock and disbelief in the aftermath.

In the following days and weeks, they may encounter a range of reactions, including erratic emotions, vivid flashbacks, and difficulties in relationships. Physical symptoms, such as headaches or nausea, can also manifest, further complicating their healing journey.

While many trauma survivors may eventually find their way to recovery on their own, others can greatly benefit from trauma therapy. This form of therapy offers invaluable support to individuals grappling with their emotions, guiding them on their healing journey and empowering them to rebuild their lives.

Types of Trauma

Acute Stress Disorder

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) arises from intense anxiety and panic following a traumatic experience. Typically diagnosed within four weeks of the event, ASD shares similarities with anxiety disorders and can significantly affect one’s daily life.

Relational Trauma

Relational trauma can affect both children and adults, emerging from unhealthy relationships and persistent negative experiences, often stemming from abuse, neglect, or enmeshment.

Childhood Relational Trauma

This form of trauma originates from dysfunctional relationships with parents or caregivers. Children exposed to abuse or neglect often develop feelings of confusion, low self-worth, and uncertainty, carrying these emotional challenges into adulthood.
Adult Relational Trauma

Adult relational trauma may develop from early experiences or current unhealthy relationships. Feelings of neglect and abandonment can lead to profound emotional turmoil, including anger, guilt, and shame.

Developmental Trauma

Developmental Trauma (DT) primarily affects children and results from prolonged neglect, mistreatment, or abuse by caregivers. Such an environment can disrupt healthy brain development, potentially leading to various psychological and neurological issues.

Extreme Or Dissociative Trauma

Dissociation acts as a coping mechanism in response to traumatic experiences, helping individuals shield themselves from emotional and physical pain. Prolonged dissociation can result in serious conditions like Depersonalisation Disorder, Dissociative Identity Disorder, or Dissociative Amnesia.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a severe mental health condition that arises when symptoms persist for more than a month following a traumatic event. PTSD typically manifests within three months, but its severity and duration can vary widely among individuals. With appropriate therapeutic support, many find ways to manage their symptoms effectively.

Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

Responses may include feeling intense fear, helplessness or horror.
Experiencing recurrent and intrusive distressing recollections of the traumatic event.
Intense psychological distress when exposed to a cue that resembles the traumatic event
Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with traumatic experiences, and numbing responses (avoid thoughts, feelings, activities, places associated with the trauma). Unable to recall aspects of the trauma, feeling detached from the traumatic experience.
Increased arousal – sleeping disturbances, irritability, difficulty concentrating,
Hypervigilance & startled responses.

When to Seek Trauma Therapy

Deciding to pursue trauma therapy can be an important step in your healing journey. Here are some signs that it may be time to seek professional help:

Struggling To Function

If daily tasks at home, work, or school have become overwhelming, it may indicate a need for support.

Intense Emotions

Experiencing extreme feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression that disrupt your life can be a sign that therapy could help you process these emotions.

Challenges In Relationships

If forming and maintaining healthy relationships feels increasingly difficult, trauma therapy can provide the tools to reconnect with others.

Thoughts Of Self-Harm

Should you find yourself having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, it’s crucial to seek help immediately.

Disturbing Nightmares And Flashbacks

Regularly experiencing distressing dreams or vivid memories of the traumatic event can significantly impact your well-being.

Avoidance Behaviour

If you find yourself steering clear of reminders of the trauma, it might be a sign that therapy can help you confront and process these memories.

Emotional Disconnection

Feeling numb or detached from your emotions and the people around you is another indication that professional support could be beneficial.

How Do We Approach Trauma?

At EMCC, we adopt a strength-based approach to help individuals unleash their fullest potential and to help develop competencies that can move individuals towards a satisfying and meaningful life.

Individuals are assured that trauma-sensitive approaches are used to bring about care for our clients. If you believe that you or your loved one is suffering from the symptoms of trauma, speaking to a therapist to find ways to manage and cope with the experience, can help.

Speak to our therapists today!

Benefits of Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy can be a transformative experience, offering numerous advantages for individuals navigating the complexities of their emotional and psychological well-being. Here are some key benefits you can expect:

Healing And Recovery

Trauma therapy provides a safe space to explore and process difficult emotions, helping individuals to heal from past experiences and move forward in their lives.

Improved Emotional Regulation

Through therapy, you can learn techniques to manage overwhelming feelings, enabling you to respond to situations with greater calm and clarity.

Enhanced Coping Strategies

Trauma therapy equips you with practical tools to cope with stressors, empowering you to face challenges more effectively and build resilience.

Stronger Relationships

By understanding and addressing the impact of trauma on your interpersonal connections, therapy can foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others.

Increased Self-Awareness

Engaging in therapy encourages deeper self-reflection, helping you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, which can lead to personal growth.

Restored Sense Of Safety

Trauma therapy can assist in rebuilding a sense of safety and trust in oneself and others, essential for feeling secure in daily life.

Personal Empowerment

Working through trauma can lead to a renewed sense of agency and control over your life, allowing you to set and achieve meaningful goals.

Prevention Of Future Issues

By addressing unresolved trauma, therapy can reduce the risk of developing anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma Therapy

What Is A Traumatic Event?

A traumatic event is an experience that causes significant emotional distress, often leaving individuals feeling helpless or overwhelmed. These events can range from physical harm to emotional anguish, and they may occur as a single incident or over time. Common examples include physical or sexual abuse, natural disasters, serious accidents, and the sudden loss of a loved one. Each person’s experience of trauma is unique, and the impact can vary widely based on individual circumstances.

What Are The Signs Of Trauma?

Recognising the signs of trauma is crucial for seeking help. Common indicators include:

Persistent feelings of fear or anxiety: Experiencing overwhelming worry or dread.
Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks: Reliving the traumatic event in vivid detail.
Emotional numbness: Difficulty connecting with others or expressing feelings.
Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or frequent nightmares.
Irritability or mood swings: Finding it hard to manage emotions and reactions.
Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on daily tasks.
Avoidance behaviours: Steering clear of people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma.

What Can I Expect During A Trauma Therapy Session?

During a trauma therapy session, you can expect to discuss your experiences in a safe, confidential space. A trained therapist will guide you through the process, helping you to identify and express your feelings while teaching you coping mechanisms tailored to your needs.

How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?

The duration of trauma therapy varies from person to person, depending on the complexity of the trauma and individual progress. Some people may see improvement in a few sessions, while others might require a longer commitment. It’s important to communicate with your therapist about your goals and needs throughout the process.