Trauma Disorders
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a response to a frightening, dangerous, or shocking event. Trauma occurs when our ability to cope is overwhelmed by our body’s fight-or-flight response. The human mind is constantly organizing the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations we experience. This gives us a sense of safety and stability in the world. When we experience trauma, our minds are thrown into a state of disarray, and our feelings of safety are replaced with fear and uncertainty. Some people recover on their own; however, for many, there are lasting effects.
What Causes Trauma Disorders?
There are different types of trauma: Acute trauma, Chronic trauma, Complex trauma, and Vicarious trauma. It is also important to realize that people can experience the same event and have different reactions. What causes trauma for one person may not cause trauma for another. Trauma can be caused by a single frightening event, by repeated mistreatment or abuse by others, or by exposure to other people’s suffering. Some of the most common causes of trauma include:
Being bullied
Physical or sexual abuse
Emotional or verbal abuse
Persistent stress at home
Childhood neglect
Car crashes
Natural disasters
Death or illness of a family member
Robberies or community violence
High-stress or high-risk professions
What are the Symptoms of Trauma?
Trauma symptoms can vary among individuals because no two people are exactly the same. You may notice symptoms immediately after a traumatic event, or they may take years to appear. After experiencing trauma, you may behave in ways that aren’t normal for you. For example, you may have angry outbursts or feel constantly on high alert for danger. Additional problems may emerge, such as depression, substance abuse, overwhelming shame, or self-harm behaviors. Regardless of how your symptoms appear, the common thread with trauma is that it interferes with your functioning in important areas of your life such as work, school, and relationships. Some common symptoms of trauma include:
Intrusive distressing memories
Avoiding reminders of the event
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Hypervigilance
Disconnection from others
Anger
Anxiety
Sadness
Guilt
Irritability
Hopelessness
How is Trauma Treated?
There are several types of therapy that have been developed specifically for the treatment of trauma. Although they are all focused on developing healthy coping skills and alleviating emotional distress, they vary in their approaches and specific techniques. It is important to discuss your individual needs with your therapist and decide together on the best treatment for you. Some of the treatments I use with clients who have experienced trauma include:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT has been endorsed by the Department of Veteran Affairs and Defense and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD. CPT is delivered in 12 structured sessions and requires significant “homework” on the client’s part. CPT focuses on the impact of traumatic experiences on 5 major areas: safety, power, trust, esteem, and intimacy. Clients learn to restructure their beliefs about themselves, others, and the world and adopt healthy beliefs that lead to the alleviation of symptoms.
Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is recognized as an effective form of treatment for PTSD by numerous organizations, including the World Health Organization, the Department of Veteran Affairs and Defense, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and the American Psychological Association. EMDR also addresses symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, and mood dysregulation. This treatment typically lasts 6-12 weeks and involves reprocessing distressing memories while performing bilateral stimulation (the eye movements).
Attachment-Focused Therapy
Attachment-focused therapy is a form of trauma-informed therapy that focuses on childhood experiences, particularly between the child and adult caregivers. Clients explore early childhood memories and how they impact the ability to form and maintain meaningful relationships as adults. Attachment-focused therapy identifies the 4 attachment types: Secure, Avoidant, Anxious, and Disorganized. Clients learn to identify unmet needs, gain a sense of security, increase emotional balance, and develop self-confidence. This leads to healthier relationships, improved social and communication skills, and reduced conflict.