The Impact of Trauma: How Therapy Can Help

Trauma: a term we hear often, and one commonly associated with veterans of war and victims of violent crimes. Such life-changing events can leave survivors with disruptive symptoms that alter their everyday lives. But these overtly impactful events are not the only sources of trauma. Sometimes trauma can result from slow but consistent abuse or neglect within familial or romantic relationships or through bullying or mistreatment at school or in the workplace. Trauma does not always develop when something is big and loud and obviously traumatic, like a car crash or a natural disaster; it can also grow quietly and covertly overtime.

What is Trauma?

Here at Counselling and Co., we appreciate the work of trauma expert, Dr. Gabor Maté, who does not consider the traumatic events or experiences as the ‘trauma’ but instead applies the term to how we are impacted by those events and experiences. Dr. Maté told The Guardian, “…trauma, from the Greek for “wound,” “is not what happens to you; it is  what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you … It is not the blow on the head, but the concussion I get.”

Now, let us stop and sit with this for a moment. Have you ever considered what your traumas may be? What wounds you are carrying? For we may survive the abusive situation, the cruel behaviour, the painful loss, but what happened for us during and after? What happens for us now, in those quiet moments when we are alone? What happens when we are in conflict with others? How might our wounds be making themselves known?

It is hard to listen.

It is hard to see clearly.

So, extremely hard.

We do not want to hear the messages or feel the excruciating discomfort. And so often, we do what we can to cope with or suppress the echoes of our wounds. We stay busy with work; we distract ourselves with substances or the internet. We focus on the kids or the needs of others. But sometimes, when we try to suppress those uncomfortable feelings, they show up in other ways.

What are the Symptoms of Trauma?

How might we be experiencing our trauma? This is a big question to consider. The symptoms of trauma vary greatly but often include difficulty concentrating, having trouble sleeping, experiencing angry outbursts, feeling prone to aggression or impulsive and reckless behaviours. Experiencing a deep sense of guilt or shame, feeling disconnected from your emotions or your body and being hypervigilant— as though on guard for danger— can also indicate the presence of trauma. Trauma may also show up physically as acute and chronic illnesses and ailments. These physiological, emotional, and psychological symptoms have noticeable impacts on our wellbeing, altering the way we show up for ourselves, for others, and in the world. Trauma can uproot us personally and relationally leading to unintentional harm of ourselves and others.

How Can Therapy Help with Trauma?

Collaborating with a therapist, who feels like a comfortable fit, can help us to identify and acknowledge our own traumas and how they impact us and the people in our lives. Facing our wounds can be extremely challenging and painful so it is important to find a therapist whom we feel safe with; someone who honours our pace and encourages us to step outside our protective layers, with care. Trauma work can take time and often utilizes both talk therapy as well somatic approaches, like Brainspotting.

Here at Counselling & Co., we focus on building safe relationships with our clients, ones that enable them to explore and begin to heal. If you are looking for a therapist in Oakville, whether a Registered Psychotherapist or a Social Worker, for virtual or in-person therapy, we can help. Please reach out at info@counsellingandco.com.