Trauma Therapy in Georgetown, ON

 

What is Trauma?

 

When we are faced with an extremely high-stress situation, our bodies and mind can react in fear or anxiety.  Emotional trauma is not something we can physically see, but it can shape the way we think, behave, and interact with others. Acute trauma refers to an emotional response that occurs during or following a single distressing situation.  Chronic trauma, however, is a longer term emotional response to repeated or prolonged distressing events that can last months or years.  Dr. Gabor Maté describes trauma to be a psychic wound that interferes with your ability to grow and develop, resulting in you acting out of fear. Trauma is what happens internally, and is a result of what happened to you in a single event or multiple events, that you experienced in childhood and/or in your adult years. 

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How do I Know if What I Experienced was Trauma?

 

Trauma can be hard to live with, especially when it impacts your everyday tasks. This can occur at any age and at any time.

Signs of trauma can be physical or emotional and can include:

• Experiencing terrifying memories or nightmares

• Having trouble going to sleep

• Being unable to form relationships

• Closing yourself off and disconnecting from others

• Having trouble focusing at work or home

• Using substances to cope and feel better

• Feeling guilt or shame

• Anxiety or depression

• Feeling jumpy and hypervigilance

• Avoidance

• Anger or complete numbness

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The signs of trauma are not limited to the list above but can vary depending on how you react to traumatic events. Talking with one of our therapists can help you manage the stressful emotions you feel, help you understand your trauma, and determine the next steps to take in order to overcome the trauma and its symptoms.

 

What is PTSD, and do I Have it?

 

PTSD, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health issue that develops after experiencing a stressful and life-threatening event. PTSD symptoms go on for longer than a few months and may come and go over time.

 

Symptoms of PTSD can include:
● Reliving the event
● Avoiding things that remind you of the event
● Consistent negative thoughts and feelings
● Having the constant feeling of being on high alert

If you are unsure that you have PTSD, it is best to talk to a mental health professional as they can assess your trauma, and recommend guidance on how to manage your symptoms.

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What does Childhood Trauma Look Like in Adulthood?

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Childhood trauma occurs more commonly than you would expect, with three in ten Canadians over the age of 15 report experiencing trauma from childhood, according to Statistics Canada. These traumatic events from childhood can have long term impacts and remain throughout adulthood. Oftentimes, trauma from childhood is repressed and symptoms appear later in adulthood.

Signs of repressed childhood trauma in adults include:
● Strong reactions to specific individuals
● An extreme shift in emotion
● Having attachment issues
● Having childish outbursts/reactions
● Being unable to cope in a stressful situation

There are more signs of repressed childhood trauma that vary with each individual. It can be beneficial to talk with one of our trauma therapists who can help you understand these emotions and the repressed trauma you are experiencing.

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How do I Let go of Past Trauma?

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Are you struggling to move forward due to past trauma? It's important to know that you are not alone. Many people experience trauma and find it difficult to let go and heal. But there is hope.

 

Overcoming past trauma can be a difficult journey, but it is possible. To start, it's important to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, to work through the emotions and effects of the trauma. Additionally, practicing self-care, like exercise, meditation, or journaling, can help alleviate stress and anxiety. It's crucial to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage them. Finding support from loved ones or joining a support group can also be helpful. Lastly, remember to be patient and kind to yourself, as healing is a process that takes time. With persistence and a supportive network, it's possible to move forward and heal from past trauma.
 

How can Couples Therapy Centre help?

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If you have been affected by trauma, it can be hard to understand what you are experiencing in response to it.  It is important to understand that the emotions and reactions you feel are common and normal. Trauma can be simply too large or too difficult to process on your own. Sometimes it is easier to talk to a professional about your emotions and how you feel, especially in the case of a traumatic event.  We can provide compassionate, empathetic, respectful, and supportive care to help you to heal and recover.  With the guidance of one of our trauma informed therapists, you can identify your trauma, fully understand how it is impacting you today, and effectively process the traumatic event.  With the right treatment, it is possible to overcome your trauma.