Trauma

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and afraid when we have been involved in or witnessed an event where we are confronted with a threat of death or serious injury.

This response can happen after:

• a car accident
• sexual or physical abuse
• childhood neglect
• an assault/ victim of a crime

However, trauma an also be experienced with any situation that ‘stands one on one’s head’ such as:

• bullying
• discovering a partner’s unfaithfulness
• any sudden and unwelcome life change

There is a sense of fear and helplessness and a person may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Recurrent and intrusive recollections of the event
• Recurrent distressing dreams
• Having flashbacks to the traumatic event
• Intense emotional distress when reminded of the event, either in conversation or by cues in the environment
• Actively avoiding such reminders
• Feeling numb and disconnected

A person may also have trouble with:

• Falling or staying asleep
• Irritability or outbursts of anger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feel the need to by hyper aware of their environment as a strategy to try and create safety
• Be startled easily

I am committed to trauma therapy that does not re- traumatize. Therapy that will be helpful to you is therapy that will create safety in your life, reduce your distress and prove to you that you have survived. You will be equipped with tools and information to improve the quality of your life. Within the dynamic of the therapeutic experience you will have the opportunity to process and integrate the traumatic experience to restore hope. Trauma can be healed.