What is Trauma
Trauma can be understood as any event that overwhelms a persons capacity to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, frightened, overwhelmed, confused or powerless. In these instances, our survival systems are activated, and trauma imprints on the brain and body impacting our sense of self and the world around us. This impact includes the trauma-induced meanings that are made about the self, such as "I am bad," "unlovable," "unworthy," "stupid," "abnormal," and so on.
Trauma - "T" & "t"
In my practice, I have found that when people hear the word trauma what often comes to mind is what we see or hear in popular media and what may be better understood as capital “T” Trauma. We say capital “T” because these kinds of trauma may be more easily recognized by the experiencer as well as those close to them. This kind of trauma can at times be a single incident such as a natural disaster, car accident or assault.
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Oftentimes, there can also be a collection of small “t” traumas that accumulate throughout a persons lifespan. We say small “t” not because they are "small", or because their impact is somehow smaller, but because these traumas can often go unrecognized or unacknowledged as trauma. This can include both what did happen to a person as well as what did not happen, but was needed. We see the latter in instances such as physical or emotional neglect. In truth, we all experience a collection of small "t" trauma's throughout our lifetime. Not receiving empathy or acceptance due to the common misconception that these events are less significant can create coping behaviors that were adaptive and served a function for survival at the time but not without their costs. Sometimes we see this in examples such as isolating or not sharing one's emotions in an attempt to manage symptoms without support, keeping busy to not feel emotions, laughing or otherwise masking true feelings and more. Not addressing the emotional suffering of traumatic events then creates the possibility of cumulative damage over time and compounds the pain of trauma with the suffering of being alone with it.
Some Examples of Trauma
May Include:
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Infidelity
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Divorce
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Discrimination - i.e. racism, sexism, ableism, ageism
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Being bullied, shamed, mocked, or made fun
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Harassment, social rejection or isolation
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Financial instability, threat of loss of housing or basic needs
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Death of loved ones (including pets)
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Chronic illness and medical testing
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Emotional abuse or neglect
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Frequent yelling
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Interpersonal violence or witnessing interpersonal violence
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Experiencing primary caregiver(s) as frightened or frightening
... and more
Some Impacts ...
Experiencing a traumatic event impacts a person's sense of safety, their sense of self, and their ability to regulate emotions and navigate relationships.
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Emotions
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Difficulty recognizing emotions
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Difficulty controlling emotions
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Increased sensitivity to stress
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Shame, guilt
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Excessive worry, hopelessness
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Feeling a lack of self-efficacy, and helplessness
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Thinking / Cognitions
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Difficulty problem solving
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Problems with concentration
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Racing thoughts
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Poor academic achievement
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Behaviours
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Difficulty with self regulation
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Difficulty with impulse control
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Drug and alcohol use
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Social withdrawal & isolation
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Limited coping skills
Relationships
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Difficulty trusting others
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Difficulty forming relationships with peers
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Trouble understanding social interactions
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Cycles of abuse and neglect
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Problems in romantic relationship
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Physical
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Physical tension held in the body
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Upset stomach
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Sleep dysfunction and disorders
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Eating disorders
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Poor immune system function​
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Shorter life span, cardiovascular health
Therapy & How it Can Help
Trauma therapy provides a safe and supportive space where you can share your experiences at your own pace. It helps you break free from the grip of trauma, allowing you to move beyond negative beliefs and patterns that hold you back.
I specialize in Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy, an evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between the mind and body. This therapy helps you explore how trauma has shaped your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world. By addressing the physical sensations and bodily responses often overlooked, we work together to understand the impact of trauma on your emotions and nervous system, fostering healing and growth.
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Somatic Attachment Psychotherapy encourages the use of both sides of your brain, fostering creativity and expanding your imagination. It helps you envision a bigger and brighter future. Through the therapeutic process, you learn to expand your capacity to navigate and hold your emotions and reactions. This journey helps you heal from trauma and develop a healthier view of yourself and your relationships.
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Trauma therapy is not just about reducing symptoms; it's about changing how you see yourself and how you cope with challenges. It provides the safety needed to open your heart and connect with yourself others, and the world in meaningful ways. In essence, trauma therapy guides you through difficult times, helping you find your way back to safety, creativity, and connection.