What is Trauma?
Trauma is any sudden, unexpected negative event that profoundly impacts an individual.
It can be understood as a powerful, unanticipated experience that leaves a lasting impression, teaching the person that the world may not be a safe place.
Trauma is often associated with experiences like war, abuse, or assault, and while these are undoubtedly examples of trauma, it extends far beyond such events. Various incidents, such as a health crisis, car accident, abusive relationships, breaches of trust, violations of boundaries, or significant losses, can also be traumatic.
What is PTSD?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (also known as PTSD) can happen after any threatening event.
Not everyone who has gone through trauma develops PTSD. You can experience negative effects from your trauma without developing all of the symptoms to be diagnosed with PTSD.
Many people who have experienced trauma find it is hard to feel safe again. It can be helpful to be assessed for PTSD in order to understand your symptoms and guide your treatment.
How unhealed trauma can hurt
Unhealed trauma can cause a range of physical, emotional, and behavioural issues. Physical symptoms headaches, fatigue, unexplained pain, and sleep disturbances.
Emotional symptoms
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Chronic sadness or hopelessness
- Shame, guilt, and low self-esteem
- Feeling numb and detached
Behavioural symptoms
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
- Social withdrawal
- Changes in eating patterns
- Substance abuse
- Self-harm
- Aggressive or impulsive behaviours
- Risky behaviours
Why experience matters in a Trauma Therapist
Choosing an experienced trauma therapist is crucial because they possess the specialized knowledge and skills to navigate the complex dynamics of trauma, creating a safe space for healing by understanding how to respond to triggers, manage intense emotions, and effectively guide individuals through the process of processing traumatic experiences without causing further harm. An experienced Trauma Therapist can tailor treatment to the specific needs of each survivor, maximizing the potential for positive outcomes.
- Understanding trauma complexities: A seasoned trauma therapist grasps the multifaceted nature of trauma, including its potential impact on various aspects of life like relationships, physical health, and cognitive function.
- Appropriate treatment modalities: Experienced therapists are well-versed in different trauma-informed therapies like EMDR, somatic experiencing, and exposure therapy, allowing them to select the most suitable approach for each individual.
- Creating a safe space: Trauma survivors often feel vulnerable, and an experienced therapist can establish a trusting environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences without fear of judgment.
- Managing triggers: They are adept at identifying and managing triggers that might arise during therapy sessions, preventing re-traumatization and allowing for gradual healing.
- Addressing co-occurring issues: Trauma often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, and an experienced therapist can address these complexities effectively.
My Experience
With nearly a decade of experience in the treatment of trauma, including treatment of sexual abuse trauma in youth at a Sexual Assault Crisis agency.
I have extensive training in a diverse range of therapeutic approaches including:
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Phase 4 - Neuroexperiential Therapy™
- EMDR Certification
EMDR Certification requires counsellors to be a fully licensed clinician for at least two years; 50-hour EMDR training program; conduct a minimum of 50 EMDR therapy sessions with at least 25 different clients; complete at least 20 hours of consultation with an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant (10 individual, 10 group); at least 12 hours of EMDR-specific continuing education; and submit letters of recommendation to EMDRIA.