Trauma Counselling
Trauma is the body’s response to highly distressing events that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. It often feels like a fracturing of the self, where feelings of powerlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness interrupt daily life. Trauma impacts the whole body system, including the nervous system, brain, body and mind. This can limit one's ability to navigate a full range of emotions and experiences. Trauma affects people of all backgrounds; according to the World Health Organization, approximately 70% of the world’s population is at risk of experiencing trauma at some point in their lives.
Big ‘T’ Trauma vs. Little ‘t’ Trauma
Many people are familiar with the terms "big ‘T’ trauma" and "little ‘t’ trauma," but maybe unsure where their experiences fit. It’s important to recognize that trauma is vast and varies widely among individuals; no two people will experience a traumatic event in the same way.
Big ‘T’ Trauma refers to single, significant events such as motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, terrorism, and sexual assault. It also includes prolonged exposure to severe stressors like war, military combat, and chronic violence in the home, relationships, or community.
Little ‘t’ Trauma involves the chronic exposure and accumulation of distressing events that, over time, impact one’s worldview and sense of safety. These smaller, ongoing stressors can be just as impactful as a single, major event, shaping how an individual perceives and interacts with the world.
What are the symptoms of trauma?
The effects of trauma can have a profound impact on major life areas. Common symptoms can include (but are not limited to):
Inability to manage stress
Feelings of overwhelm
Depressive symptoms
Heightened anxiety
Hypervigilance (the feeling of being ‘on guard’)
Flashbacks or nightmares
Avoidance behaviour (the avoidance of people, places and things that are reminders)
Interpersonal issues
Sleep disturbances
Eating and/or appetite disturbances
Restlessness or the ability to ‘rest’/'calm down’/'relax’
Constant sense of danger
Difficulty managing emotions
Nervous system dysregulation
Chronic pain and other physical disorders
Limiting beliefs about self and the world
Types of Trauma
Trauma comes in many forms. . .
Complex Trauma: the chronic and multiple nature of traumatic experiences, often involving prolonged abuse or violence. Involves not only the exposure of distressing experiences but also the omission of valuable and healthy experiences. Can eventually lead to complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). Examples, physical, sexual, emotion and mental abuse in relationships (intimate, familiar, workplace, etc).
Attachment trauma: can involve the significant disruption of the bonding process and relationship between child and caregiver. This can happen due to neglect, inconsistent caregiving, abandonment, or maltreatment during the early years of life.
Developmental trauma: the exposure to distressing events or the omission of vital experiences during critical periods during the developmental years in childhood. This can impact brain development and functioning and can be felt across a lifespan. Individuals can go on to develop complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) as a result.
Systemic & Institutional trauma: refers to the pervasive impacts of discrimination, oppression, inequality, racism and social injustices on individuals and communities. This form of trauma in embedded in our institutions and greatly impact entire communities and is crucial to consider.
Intergenerational trauma: also known as transgenerational trauma. Refers to the transfer of trauma from one generation to the next. The involvement of epigenetics has emphasized the importance of recognizing the impact of previous ancestors’ trauma on our development and lives.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a psychological disorder with an official diagnosis and the requirement of specific diagnostic criteria. Usually due to single Big ‘T’ events.
How trauma counselling can help
Trauma counselling offers comprehensive support for individuals dealing with the aftermath of trauma. Trauma counselling helps individuals navigate their healing journey and emerge stronger. The following aspects are integrated into trauma counselling:
a safe space
education about trauma responses
learning and developing coping strategies
processing traumatic memories
restoring control
rebuilding relationships
enhancing self-awareness
facilitating post-traumatic growth
Please note I take a triphasic approach to treating trauma developed by Judith Herman, which involves the first step as safety and stabilization for your system to have the capacity to process trauma. You can learn more about my approach to treating trauma here which explains the triphasic approach and trauma-informed care.