Trauma is the prolonged sense of threat following an emotionally charged event such as an accident, losing a loved one, or mental or emotional abuse. Trauma can be defined as a stressful experience that strongly influences our thoughts and emotions. It can have drastic effects on your mind and can lead to feelings like anxiety, fear, and distress.

Traumatic Experiences – What Happens When Someone Experiences Trauma

Traumatic experiences vary according to the severity of the incident, a person’s age, and their emotional stability. Traumas deeply influence our thoughts and emotions. The sufferer may feel neglected, unworthy, and fearful. Anxiety and even depression can also occur during trauma. A person’s confidence is shattered, and he lacks self-awareness.

Some people don’t talk to anyone about their suffering. They hesitate to talk about their insecurities and express their thoughts, making the situation more critical. We should identify such people, help them surrender to their feelings, and cure themselves.

People often become hopeless and think that they can’t get rid of their trauma. In such circumstances, they should be provided care and a sense of hope and optimism. Some persons also feel ashamed of their trauma and avoid talking about it.

● Lack of Confidence

Traumas also affect a person’s capabilities, such as intelligence and working skills. Due to a lack of confidence, his decision-making power is diminished. He can get confused by simple questions and may face difficulty performing daily tasks.

● Physical Health Gets Affected

When a person is going through a trauma, it becomes evident from his physical health, too. He becomes weak and easily exhausted. Their energy levels also decrease, and their ambition to achieve goals dies.

Moreover, in a few cases, their physical health may be affected so badly that it leads to serious diseases like hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune, etc. Their sleep routine also gets disturbed, and other hormonal imbalances or mood swings may also occur.

In some cases, traumas leave permanent changes in a person’s personality. The sufferer may experience social anxiety. Some sufferers struggle with depression and feel that they are all alone in this entire world. They also face difficulty trusting others and establishing healthy relationships with their loved ones.

How Can Therapy be Useful for Overcoming Trauma?

Therapies can help a lot in coping with psychological issues like trauma. Its purpose is to make you feel better and strong. It enables you to express your thoughts and have control over your emotions. Therapy is essentially effective in reducing anxiety and feelings of stress and hopelessness.

Common types of therapies are:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy improves how a person interacts and communicates with others. It helps people trust others and develop relationships. Therapy also teaches people to manage triggers and avoid intense reactions.
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR): It is a therapy for the eyes that helps in processing the memories of the trauma and reduces the intense feelings associated with the flashbacks. Successful and timely therapy sessions also keep us safe from long-term issues like PTSD and depression.
• Somatic Therapies: A focus on the body and working through the stong feelings that perpetuate ongoing fear.

Activities like deep breathing and meditation also help relax your mind. If time with others starts to feel like a burden, isolate yourself and have some personal space. Developing healthy hobbies also helps to avoid negative thoughts taking over.

Preparing for Trauma Therapy

Visiting a therapist can be very difficult when you are suffering from a trauma. Although it is difficult, it is the only right choice. People often fear visiting therapists and don’t like expressing their thoughts to strangers.

They may not feel comfortable communicating with the therapist. However, it is crucial to understand the importance of therapy as a viable solution.

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Why You Need to Visit a Therapist for Trauma Therapy?

Preparing yourself for therapy helps recovery. A clear vision of what you want to achieve through therapy makes your journey easier. A trauma therapist can help you understand and express your feelings. He enables you to deal with negative thoughts and emotions.

Your relationship with your therapist is of primary importance, as the success of therapy depends on it. They must earn your trust as they connect with you and service your needs. Setting small and easily achievable goals gives you the strength to keep going and develops a positive attitude.

During your journey, you may feel aggression, fear, anxiety, and hopelessness. You may feel like giving up. But this is normal, and you should also be ready for it. Being patient and consistent in such a situation is the best choice.

Building a support system is also necessary. Having someone from your family or friends behind you can help. Update them about your progress and share what you feel if you feel comfortable doing so. Talk to them about your sessions and achievements. This can develop a sense of closeness.

Things to Keep in Mind During Trauma Therapy

When visiting a therapist, keep a few things in mind. Above all, the therapist should be highly qualified and patiently listen to you. Moreover, they will help identify your triggers and talk in ways that bring comfort and clarity.

You can talk about your symptoms and triggers to ensure quality intervention and support. You should also practice self-care techniques and engage in healthy exercises and hobbies.

Your therapist is there for your betterment. Talk about your situation and emotions. Answer questions honestly and communicate as much as you can, but don’t worry if it seems hard; your therapist will help you. It might be a bit difficult, but effective communication and cooperation can help a lot in efficient recovery.

Therapy requires patience and hope in the process. Complete recovery can take months or even years, but if you maintain consistency and patience, the possibility of a successful outcome greatly increases.

Conclusion

Trauma can be extremely damaging to a person’s confidence and personality, but therapy can help him recover and lead a normal life. Taking therapy and preparing well for it are both equally important. Preparing for therapy takes you one step ahead to eradicate the problem and helps you deal with it more productively. Book a session today with a North Vancouver therapist here at Boomerang Counselling Centre