Trauma Therapy
What is Trauma and how does it affect us?
Trauma happens to everyone to some extent. It is a very personal experience, and not everyone reacts to it in the same way. Many do not realise they have had a traumatic experience because most believe “a trauma” can only be called a trauma if it is BIG. These are commonly referred to as big “T” traumas. These events are obvious and easily identifiable and can significantly impede daily functioning. It can also lead to a diagnosis of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). There are also small “t” traumas, which are not life-threatening but can have a profound effect. Both forms of trauma can greatly impact your quality of life, and the problem with limiting our definition of trauma is what keeps many people from feeling well and happy again.
Some examples of large “T” traumas are:
- Sexual assaults (rape)
- Child abuse
- Car or plane accidents
- Physical abuse
- Domestic violence (inclusive of emotional abuse)
- Natural disasters
- Military combat
- Accidents
- Loss of a loved one
- Witnessing any of the above
- Sexual assaults (rape)
- Child abuse
- Car or plane accidents
- Physical abuse
- Domestic violence (inclusive of emotional abuse)
- Natural disasters
- Military combat
- Accidents
- Loss of a loved one
- Witnessing any of the above
Some examples of small ‘t’ traumas.
- Divorce/relationship breakups
- Conflict at home or work
- Work stress
- Infidelity
- Illness
- Financial or legal troubles
- Developmental trauma
- Divorce/relationship breakups
- Conflict at home or work
- Work stress
- Infidelity
- Illness
- Financial or legal troubles
- Developmental trauma
It’s important to mention that small “t” traumas are also about the good things that didn’t happen. Examples of this are the omission of care, such as an emotionally unavailable parent. Maybe your caregivers had their own emotional difficulties; perhaps they were anxious, depressed, or traumatised themselves. This can significantly influence how a child first experiences attachment, survival, and identity (authentic self). Traumas experienced in childhood can sow the seeds for relational difficulties and unhealthy attachments.
Suppose we consider that all human life takes place in the context of relationships. It is possible that, alongside healthy attachments, we can also lose ourselves through problematic or toxic relationships and find ourselves repeating those patterns and wondering why. However, finding ourselves again through more accepting and nurturing ones is possible.
It has been my experience that the therapeutic relationship can greatly assist in this. It may be that the therapeutic relationship is the first accepting and positive relationship you have had. So, if you have ever sat with your head in your hands thinking that there has got to be more to life than this, you are right! And we can make a start now.
Trauma is often the basis of other more commonly understood mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, phobias, and addiction. When the right questions are asked, the right solution can be found!
EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a psychological treatment that uses eye movements (and other bilateral stimulation) to process disturbing memories that cause distorted and distressing thinking or feelings of anxiety. It was developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro and was used primarily for the treatment of Post-traumatic stare disorder. Since then, EMDR therapy has significantly developed and is now used to treat many other conditions.
EMDR is at the forefront of the treatment of trauma, and numerous research studies back this.
