Trauma 101

This post is the beginning of an ongoing series on trauma healing.

Traumatic events are events that can overwhelm the body, mind, and spirit’s ability to cope. 

“We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on the mind, brain, and body.”

Bessel Van Der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score

The following is a list of examples of a variety of traumatic experiences. It is by no means a complete list of experiences that can be considered traumatic.

  • Sexual assault
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse
  • Identity based violence
  • Serious illness
  • Physical pain or injuries
  • Combat experience, war
  • Personal near death experiences
  • Witnessing harm or death of others

Trauma can impact the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. It can change how we think and feel. It can make the world feel like a scary place, and can make being in our bodies feel not safe. It can make it hard to be close to other people, like friends, family, or partners.

If you feel stuck in the darkness of trauma, know that healing is possible. It is possible to sleep through the night, not have flashbacks, be grounded in the present again, trust people again, feel safer in your body, and feel closeness to others again.

If you’re ready to heal from trauma, reach out to schedule a consultation today.

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