Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or overwhelming event that can cause long-term severe effects on a person’s ability to function emotionally, psychologically, cognitively, behaviourally and spiritually. It is important to remember that people experience trauma differently, therefore their response to the trauma is also unique.
I understand that the effects of trauma can be damaging, horrific and debilitating. It can often rob victim-survivors of their power, autonomy, control and sense of safety. Therefore, I use a trauma-informed practice approach, which is a strengths-based, person-centred and culturally sensitive framework.
The aim of trauma counselling is for victim-survivors to re-establish their sense of empowerment and control by building trusting, healthy and meaningful social connections. Therefore, I will ensure that you feel safe, empowered and respected to make your own decisions in the healing and recovery process.
Seeking trauma counselling can provide victim-survivors with feelings of optimism, confidence and hope for a brighter future!
Please view the video to gain a better understanding of how trauma impacts your emotional and physical well-being.
Common trauma responses and reactions include:
| Emotional Responses | Cognitive Responses | Physical Responses | Interpersonal Responses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeling anxious/overwhelmed | Self-blame | Disturbed sleep | Irritability |
| Guilt | Confusion | Restlessness | Withdrawing from others |
| Shame | Flashbacks | Fatigue | Loss of interest/ or dissatisfaction doing the things you once enjoyed |
| Feeling helplessness or hopelessness | Nightmares | Headaches | Cry easily |
| Fear | Confusion | Racing heartbeat | Trust issues |
| Anger | Difficulty concentrating | Change in appetite | Feelings of abandonment or rejection |
| Grief | Memory loss | Hypertension | Increase in family conflicts |
| Sadness or depression | Struggle with making decisions | Body aches & pains | |
| Resentment | Loss of faith/ question spiritual beliefs | Easily startled | |
| Emotional numbness | Nausea |