What Do I Mean By Trauma?

One way to describe trauma is an overwhelming stress or threat, real or perceived, that our body and mind have gone through. Sometimes that threat or stress can remain with us and impact how we carry on with our day-to-day lives and how we relate to others and the world around us. This experience can prevent us from thriving and we simply feel like we are surviving. 

Trauma can be experienced differently by different people. Sometimes we notice changes in mood, anxiety and/or depressive symptoms, physical ailments, flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance, or disconnection from others. Some folks are given a diagnosis, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while others are not. Sometimes the events that lead to trauma or overwhelm can be a slow-burning stress throughout our lives. Sometimes it can be a series of events that overwhelm our nervous systems. And sometimes one event can bring about a shift that shakes our sense of safety and selves to the core. 

Without getting stuck on semantics of language or labels, it can be helpful to speak with a professional that understands the impact of trauma and can help you make sense of your experience in your own words. 

Trauma-Specific Approach

I approach trauma work holistically — paying attention to the mind, the body, and how the environment around us impacts our reactions and responses as we go through life. Counselling will always look different for everyone as we all have our own unique backgrounds, personalities, genetic make-up, and experiences. However some of what we might explore would include:

• Creating a sense of emotional and physical safety and stabilization

• Grounding techniques

• Understanding about the neurobiology of trauma

• Identifying "fight/flight/freeze" responses

• Self-regulation skills

• Flashback and nightmare support

• Feelings of shame and guilt

• Dissociation

• Processing past traumatic events/memories

• Moving beyond the trauma to explore what life might be like in the near and distant future

• Resiliency and strength 

Theories and Therapeutic Approaches

Everyone's experience of trauma is different, which is why I will discuss options about tools and approaches that we can work with in session. I use various therapeutic approaches and theories that influence and form the basis of the trauma work I do, including:

• Judith Herman's "Tri-Phasic" approach to trauma (safety & stabilization, trauma memory processing, reconnection)

• Somatic Experiencing™  (SE)

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Parts work

• Attachment theory

• Neurobiology and nervous system responses to trauma

No matter the tools and skills used, I strive to work from a client-centred and anti-oppressive framework. Working gently and respectfully, I support those I work with to find different ways to relate to themselves, to the world, and to their past experiences. Even if the word "trauma" does not resonate, but you might find my approach to be helpful, I invite you to contact me.