We are trained in working with trauma & especially passionate about working with the impacts of trauma as experienced relationally.
What is Trauma & How Does it Impact Me?
We can explain trauma as any distressing event in isolation or experiences over time that have a significant impact on any part of our mental, emotional, spiritual, or physical state. Sometimes we recognize this impact, other times we do not. Typically, trauma experienced throughout childhood (i.e. complex & developmental trauma) can leave some of the most notable residual effects on our overall wellness. When any of these negative experiences alter our body’s response in any situation that feels familiar to those past experiences, this can be understood as a trauma response (ex. being “triggered”).
Unfortunately, regardless of whether the trauma is from several weeks ago or was experienced many years prior, it can cause a reaction that is very debilitating to us in the present. Furthermore, our reactions to certain “triggering” content will be tied to how our mind has remembered that experience & so we have little influence over how we instinctively respond without support and processing of the content. This is the present pain of trauma. Many times we know how we would desire to behave & think, however, may find ourselves struggling to show up the way we want to in the moment. Without addressing these issues; it’s possible to get stuck in a cycle of negative reactions continuously despite our best efforts.
Here are Some Common Responses to Trauma to Help you Gage if You May be Showing Symptoms of Being Impacted:
Symptoms by Category:
- Behavioral: agitation, irritability, hostility, hypervigilance, self-destructive behavior, or social isolation
- Psychological: flashback, fear, severe anxiety, or mistrust
- Mood: loss of interest or pleasure in activities, guilt, or loneliness
- Sleep: insomnia or nightmares
- Also common: emotional detachment or unwanted thoughts
(Information provided by Mayo Clinic)
Trauma in the Form of Systemic Oppression & Other Societal Forms…
We are acknowledging now more than ever that trauma can be generational as well as societal such as in the example of systemic oppression. Our therapists recognize the reality of the impact of this kind of trauma & desire to support our clients of color by honoring this part of your story & allowing you the space to explore this as its impact may come up in your work.