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"Trauma Counselling: Understanding and Defining Trauma"

Valerie MacNeil M.Ed., RCC

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a largely misunderstood concept, and people often use the word in day-to-day conversations to describe experiences that are uncomfortable or embarrassing. Trauma is so much more than this, it is a complex and deeply impactful experience that can profoundly affect individuals in various ways. Trauma counselling can help you navigate the effects of trauma and bring more quality back into your life. It's crucial to understand what trauma is and how it manifests to better navigate its effects and seek appropriate support.

 

Trauma can be broadly defined as an emotional response to a distressing or disturbing event. These events are often overwhelming and exceed a person's ability to cope, leaving lasting emotional scars. Trauma can stem from a wide range of experiences, including:


Single Events: Such as accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss.


Repetitive Stress: Such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or living in a chaotic environment.


Developmental Trauma: Resulting from adverse experiences during critical stages of childhood development.


It is important to remember that the impact of trauma is not limited to emotions; it can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in profound ways and seep into almost all areas of someone’s life. For example:


Emotional Responses: Feelings of fear, sadness, anger, or numbness. Individuals may experience intense anxiety, panic attacks, or a sense of helplessness.


Cognitive Effects: Trauma can disrupt cognitive functions, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and negative thoughts about oneself or the world.


Behavioral Changes: This can include avoidance of situations that remind one of the trauma, withdrawal from relationships, or engaging in risky behaviors as a way to cope.


Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, fatigue, insomnia, and other physical ailments are common manifestations of trauma.


Understanding Trauma Recovery


Recovering from trauma is a highly individual process that requires time, support, and often professional guidance. Some key aspects of trauma recovery include:


Safety and Stabilization: Creating a safe environment and developing coping strategies to manage overwhelming emotions and triggers.

 

Processing the Trauma: This involves confronting and making sense of what happened, often through therapy or support groups.

 

Rebuilding Relationships: Reconnecting with others and rebuilding trust that may have been shattered by the trauma.

 

Self-Compassion: Learning to be kind to oneself and understanding that healing is a gradual journey and that everyone experiences the effects of trauma differently.

 

Seeking Help

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, reaching out for help is crucial. Therapy, particularly trauma-informed therapy, can provide invaluable support and guidance. I have been working with trauma for almost 20 years and understand the complexities involved and can help you navigate your emotions, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing.

 

Conclusion

 

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can have lasting effects on individuals. By understanding what trauma is and its various manifestations, we can better support those who are struggling and foster environments of healing and resilience. Remember, healing from trauma is possible, and seeking support is a courageous step towards reclaiming a sense of well-being and empowerment.


If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, or suspect that you are and would like support, please contact me to set up a free consult and I can answer any questions you may have and tell you how I can help.





 

 

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Valerie MacNeil Counselling

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I gratefully and respectfully acknowledge the SENĆOŦEN-speaking and Lwungen'athun-speaking Peoples, on whose traditional territories I live and work, and the Songhees, Esquimalt and WSÁNEĆ Nations, whose historical relationships with this land continue to this day.

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