Healing the Whole Self Through Trauma-Informed Therapy

     Most of us have experienced trauma that leaves a mark on our minds, and emotions and influences the way we perceive ourselves, others, and the world around us. According to Janz & Wall, some of those traces are deep-rooted shame and guilt. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines trauma as an injury (such as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent. Trauma is a disordered state resulting from severe stress, whether mental, emotional, or physical. It causes feelings of powerlessness, numbness, and being stuck, and can change who we are and how we live. Trauma is a multifaceted phenomenon that can manifest in various forms. Most people associate trauma with natural disasters, war violence, or school shootings. However, trauma encompasses more than just those events. It can also include experiences such as the death of a loved one, a bitter divorce, sudden job loss, financial instability, abuse or neglect from a parent, or a serious medical diagnosis. It is important to recognize that trauma can take many shapes and has a significant impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.

     Trauma can be sudden or ongoing, and not all adverse experiences stemming from interpersonal relationships are recognized as sources of trauma. As a result, these traumas often go unattended and unprocessed, which can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. It's crucial to identify and address these traumas to promote healing and improve our overall quality of life. When trauma is left unaddressed, it can have severe consequences on an individual, leading to inadvertent transference. In other words, we may unknowingly transfer the same negative experiences we have faced onto those around us, and even down to future generations. Various studies have highlighted the side effects of trauma, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, addiction, panic attacks, insomnia, intense anger, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms can become a lifelong struggle for many individuals.

     Trauma, as defined by psychiatrist and trauma researcher Besser Van der Kolk, is an experience that is unbearable and intolerable. It can significantly alter how we function and cause a great deal of suffering and pain. Traumatic experiences often result in individuals becoming helplessly stuck in unhealthy patterns of behavior and psychological distress. This is due to the level of compromise and alteration caused by trauma to the brain. As a result, those who have experienced trauma may have difficulties learning from experience. When someone internalizes an event as traumatic, it can leave them feeling vulnerable, helpless, and shattered. This can have a significant impact on their sense of safety and security, as well as their worldview. Unfortunately, people who have been traumatized often find themselves repeating the same problems over and over again (trauma re-enactment), which can be frustrating for both the individuals themselves and their loved ones. Trauma is a destructive force that can have a very negative impact on people's lives. Although we cannot control how others treat us or what life throws our way, we owe it to ourselves to heal.

     The good news is that our traumatic experiences do not have to have the last say or control our lives and well-being. There is hope, and healing is possible. That being said, due to the complex nature of trauma, it can be extremely overwhelming and almost impossible to traverse the journey of healing and recovery alone. It requires a certain degree of expertise and a trauma-informed approach. At Prosperity Counseling Services, all clinicians are trained in trauma-informed therapies to address not only the brain but the body memories tied to “relivings” we can experience when triggered.  Start your journey to overcome trauma symptoms and reclaim your power and freedom by reaching out to us today.

Resources

Goulston, M., & Hendel, D. (2021). Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for leading through disruption and thriving on the other side. HarperCollins Leadership

Jantz, G. L., & Wall, K. (2023). Triumph over Trauma: Finding healing and wholeness from past pain. Grand Rapids, MI. Baker Publishing

Merriam-Webster. (n.d). Semantics, In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved January 17, 2024, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semantics

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.