What Can Be Considered a Trauma?

Dr. Francine Shapiro, the founder of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), describes trauma as “any experience that overwhelms our ability to cope.” Trauma isn’t limited to life-threatening events; it can stem from experiences that leave a lasting emotional or psychological imprint, such as childhood neglect, loss, or chronic stress.

Trauma affects not just the mind but also the body, often triggering a fight, flight, or freeze response that persists long after the event has passed.

Common Symptoms of Trauma

rauma can manifest in many ways, and symptoms often vary from person to person. Here are some common signs of trauma:

Emotional Symptoms

• Anxiety or fear: Feeling constantly on edge or overly alert.

• Sadness or depression: Experiencing deep sorrow or hopelessness.

• Anger or irritability: Being quick to anger or easily frustrated.

• Shame or guilt: Feeling self-blame or regret, even when unwarranted.

• Emotional numbness: Difficulty feeling emotions or connecting with others.

Psychological Symptoms:

• Intrusive thoughts: Repeated, unwanted memories of the traumatic event.

• Flashbacks: Reliving the trauma as if it is happening again.

• Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the traumatic event.

• Difficulty concentrating: Feeling distracted or unable to focus.

• Dissociation: Feeling detached from reality, oneself, or surroundings.

Behavioral Symptoms:

• Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or activities that trigger reminders of the trauma.

• Isolation: Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities.

• Compulsive behaviors: Engaging in habits like substance abuse or overeating as coping mechanisms.

• Hypervigilance: Being excessively alert and watchful for danger.

Physical Symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or oversleeping.

• Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion or low energy.

• Somatic complaints: Headaches, stomachaches, or other unexplained physical pains.

• Racing heart: Feeling a pounding heartbeat or shortness of breath.

• Increased startle response: Overreacting to loud noises or sudden movements.

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Negative thought patterns: Beliefs like "I’m unsafe" or "It’s my fault."

• Memory problems: Trouble recalling details of the traumatic event.

• Distrust: Difficulty trusting others or feeling suspicious of their motives.

How Therapy Can Help You Heal from Trauma

Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to work through trauma and its impact. At Clariel Therapy, we focus on empowering clients to regain control and create a sense of safety. Here’s how therapy can help:

1. Understand Your Trauma: Therapy helps you explore the root of your trauma and its effects on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

2. Process Painful Memories: Evidence-based techniques allow you to revisit traumatic experiences in a way that reduces their emotional charge.

3. Build Coping Skills: Learn tools to manage triggers, regulate emotions, and foster resilience in the face of stress.

4. Restore a Sense of Safety: Therapy helps rebuild trust in yourself and others, creating a foundation for healing and growth.

5. Rewrite Your Narrative: Therapists work with you to challenge limiting beliefs and create a more empowering personal story.

Treatment Methods for Trauma at Clariel Therapy

Our skilled therapists at Clariel Therapy utilize a variety of proven techniques to support trauma recovery, including but not limited to:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR uses guided eye movements to process and reframe traumatic memories, drastically reducing or eliminating their emotional impact.

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This approach combines traditional CBT techniques with a trauma-sensitive framework to address negative thought patterns and behaviors.

• Somatic Therapy: Focuses on the mind-body connection, using techniques like body awareness, movement, and breathwork to release trauma stored in the body.

• Narrative Therapy: Helps clients rewrite their trauma stories, emphasizing their strength and resilience.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Incorporates mindfulness practices to foster present-moment awareness and reduce nervous system hyperarousal.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

Trauma doesn’t have to define your future. At Clariel Therapy, our compassionate therapists are here to help you process, heal, and rebuild.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore a personalized treatment plan. Together, we’ll work to create a path toward empowerment, resilience, and lasting well-being.