Trauma Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice is understanding the lasting effects of trauma on the body and mind, and that is not necessarily about the traumatic event that happened but about the disconnection of the self that occurred and how to help the client to rebuild that connection to their body safely. How the mind and body respond when under threat, and how these responses are evolutionary and unconscious and are survival coping mechanisms. Some of these response patterns are learned at a very young age, even infancy to a need that is not being met such as safety or connection to a caregiver that will help them feel safe and help regulate their bodies.
Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime whether it’s a car accident, abuse or neglect, the sudden death of a loved one, a violent criminal act, exposure to the violence of war, or a natural disaster.
While many people can recover from trauma over time with the love and support of family and friends and bounce back with resiliency, others may discover effects of lasting trauma, which can cause a person to live with deep emotional pain, fear, confusion, or posttraumatic stress far after the event has passed.
In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental to healing from trauma.
Trauma Symptoms
According to the four types of symptoms listed in the DSM-5
Avoidance Symptoms
- Avoiding specific locations, sights, situations, and sounds that serve as reminders of the event
- Anxiety, depression, numbness, or guilt
Re-experiencing Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Hyperarousal Symptoms
- Anger, irritability, and hypervigilance
- Aggressive, reckless behavior, including self-harm
- Sleep disturbances
Negative Mood and Cognition Symptoms
- Loss of interest in activities that were once considered enjoyable
- Difficulty remembering details of the distressing event
- Change in habits or behavior since the trauma
Research has proven psychotherapy to be the most effective form of treatment for trauma. If you or someone you know matches the trauma symptoms listed above, I am confident that I can help and invite you to contact me today.