Trauma & Difficult Past Experiences

Your experiences in life, both positive and negative, teach you about yourself and about the world. When you experience a particularly difficult life experience, such as a trauma, the brain can sometimes struggle to process the event and leave you unable to make sense of what has happened.

Various techniques in therapy are specifically designed to target trauma and help the brain process the difficult experience(s).

WHAT IS TRAUMA?


Trauma can be defined as any past experience that you perceive as negative and that adversely impacts your present life. These experiences can range from failing an exam in grade school to surviving a natural disaster. Your brain is naturally equipped to manage and resolve traumatic experiences and help you make sense of the event(s).

WHEN TO CONSIDER THERAPY FOR TRAUMA?


Although the brain is naturally equipped to manage and resolve traumatic experiences, some events may not be processed without help. You may be left with the upsetting images, thoughts, and emotions that have you feeling overwhelmed as if you are back in the traumatic event or frozen in time (EMDRIA). You may find that stressors in your current life trigger those images, thoughts, or emotions similar to the event you experienced. These triggers may put you in the “fight, flight, or freeze” response whether or not you are currently in any danger.

The following are common trauma responses seen and addressed in therapy. I recommend consulting with a licensed therapist before assuming you may be experiencing any of the below responses:

  • Mood swings

  • Depression

  • Panic attacks

  • Anxiety

  • Social withdrawal

  • Forgetfulness

  • Feelings of shame and guilt

  • Insomnia or night terrors

  • Anger and irritability

  • Hyper-alertness

  • Quick heart rate

  • High blood pressure

  • Feeling numb or disconnected

  • Difficulty concentrating