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SEND US AN EMAILThe term “trauma” refers to a wound, shock, or injury. Psychological trauma describes an individual’s experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that exceeds their capacity to process it emotionally. Trauma is commonly associated with significant incidents such as physical or sexual assault, violence, or accidents. However, it may also arise from repeated experiences, including ongoing emotional abuse or childhood neglect.
Individuals process experiences differently, and responses to the same event can vary significantly. An event that is traumatic for one person may not cause distress for another.
Not all individuals who experience a traumatic event will develop long-term psychological effects. Approximately 20% of those exposed to trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Although the effects of trauma can persist over time, recovery is achievable.
Trauma symptoms include:
- Shock
- Fear
- Anger
- Sadness
- Difficulty concentrating
- A sense of helplessness
- Avoiding things that remind you of the trauma, including people, places, or objects
- Hypervigilance, or being very aware of potential danger
- Being easily startled or “jumpy”
- Being activated by triggers that remind you of the trauma, whether consciously or subconsciously
- Changes in how you see yourself, such as believing you are “bad” or feeling excess guilt or shame
What are effective strategies for managing trauma in a healthy manner?
Establishing a robust support system, particularly through connections with family and friends, is essential. I can assist you in reinforcing this support network as you process and acknowledge the negative emotions associated with the traumatic event.
I can utilize Brainspotting to facilitate deeper exploration of the traumatic event. Brainspotting is a contemporary psychological technique that enables clients to access and process painful memories. This approach has demonstrated effectiveness in addressing various mental health concerns.
During Brainspotting, I use a pointer to guide your eye movements, which can help access negative emotions related to the traumatic event. This process aims to identify specific 'brain spots' through targeted eye positioning that activate and process traumatic emotions.
Using Emotionally Focused Therapy in treating trauma has been seen to be highly effective and can be combined with Brainspotting if the client chooses this.
What are the risks involved when living with unresolved trauma?
Unresolved trauma can result in severe repercussions, including emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical effects that have not been fully processed or healed.
Trauma may be stored in the body, leading to changes in brain function. Consequently, various physical symptoms may manifest.
Understanding unresolved trauma is essential for identifying its presence in individuals or within a community.
Signs of Unresolved Trauma
Unprocessed trauma may be recognised through emotional and relational patterns rather than symptoms alone. Key signs include:
- heightened reactivity or emotional shutdown,
- difficulty accessing or trusting emotions,
- intense secondary emotions such as anger or numbness,
- and a persistent sense of threat in close relationships.
The person may struggle with vulnerability, anticipate rejection or harm, relive emotional moments without resolution, or become stuck in rigid interactional cycles that reflect fear, shame, or helplessness.
Symptoms include:
- Emotional Instability
Individuals may experience intense mood swings, feeling happy one moment and overwhelmed by sadness or anger the next. This emotional volatility often stems from unprocessed memories and the body’s response to perceived threats. - Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts
These mental images or memories can be triggered by specific sights, sounds, or even smells, pulling the person back into the traumatic experience. - Physical Symptoms
The body often reflects unresolved emotional pain through physical symptoms. Sleeplessness, chronic fatigue, headaches, and muscle tension are common, as trauma can disrupt the body’s natural stress response. - Difficulty Forming Relationships
Trauma can create barriers to building and maintaining healthy relationships. Individuals may struggle with trust, fear of rejection, or a tendency to push others away. - Hypervigilance or Feeling “On Edge”
Unresolved trauma can leave individuals feeling constantly on guard, as though danger is always present. This state of hypervigilance can lead to exhaustion and further emotional distress. A person may overanalyze situations for potential threats and have difficulty relaxing or feeling safe. - Avoidance Behaviours
To cope with unresolved trauma, many people avoid reminders of the event, including certain places, people, or activities. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it often prolongs the healing process.
FAQ
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that develops after exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, in which the nervous system remains locked in a state of threat, leading to persistent re-experiencing of the trauma, avoidance, negative changes in mood and meaning, and heightened arousal.
- Irritable behaviour and angry outbursts
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviour
- Hypervigilance
- Exaggerated startle response
- Problems with concentration
If I don’t deal with trauma, can I become physically ill?
Unresolved trauma can lead to physical ailments such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. But apart from the physical symptoms, mental health problems may also arise, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
