Do you find yourself struggling to do basic tasks because you feel too overwhelmed?
Is it hard for you to maintain relationships or trust new people?
Do you struggle to sleep or have nightmares when you are asleep?
Do you ever feel numb or like you are not fully in your body?
You may want to socialize but find it is difficult to be around too much noise or too many people.
Trauma has a way of bleeding in to various areas of your life. Sometimes it can feel like you have been hijacked by strong emotions or you feel nothing at all. You may feel unmotivated to do things you once enjoyed. You want to get better but you feel stuck. There is hope. Trauma therapy can release the grip that trauma has and provide you with the skills to take back your life.
How do you define trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, crime, natural disaster, physical or emotional abuse, chronic childhood neglect, experiencing or witnessing violence, death of a loved one, war, and more. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Trauma therapy can help you find constructive ways of managing your emotions.
According to the National Center for PTSD, following a traumatic event, people frequently feel stunned, disoriented, or unable to integrate distressing information. Once these initial reactions subside, people can experience a variety of thoughts and behaviors.
Common responses can be:
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Intense or unpredictable feelings. You may be anxious, nervous, overwhelmed, or grief-stricken. You may also feel more irritable or moody than usual. Others may feel numb, depressed, or checked-out.
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Changes to thoughts and behavior patterns. You might have repeated and vivid memories of the event. These memories may occur for no apparent reason and may lead to physical reactions such as rapid heartbeat or sweating. It may be difficult to concentrate or make decisions. Sleep and eating patterns also can be disrupted—some people may overeat and oversleep, while others experience a loss of sleep and loss of appetite.
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Sensitivity to environmental factors. Sirens, loud noises, or other environmental sensations may stimulate memories of the disaster creating heightened anxiety. These “triggers” may be accompanied by fears that the stressful event will be repeated.
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Strained interpersonal relationships. Increased conflict, such as more frequent disagreements with family members and coworkers, can occur. You might also become withdrawn, isolated, or disengaged from your usual social activities.
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Stress-related physical symptoms. Headaches, nausea, and chest pain may occur and could require medical attention. Preexisting medical conditions could be affected by disaster-related stress.
Common reactions and responses to trauma
How does trauma change your personality?
Research has shown that traumatic experiences can lead to significant personality changes, primarily through the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can manifest in various ways, including heightened vigilance or alertness, increased anxiety, and emotional dysregulation, all of which can contribute to noticeable personality changes.
For example, an individual who was previously outgoing and cheerful might become withdrawn and serious after experiencing trauma. They might also exhibit increased irritability, emotional instability, or risk-taking behaviors. Such changes can be distressing for the individual and those around them, further contributing to the impact of the trauma.
How Brainspotting helps heal trauma
Brainspotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between the brain and the body to help individuals process and heal from trauma. Here are some ways it can facilitate healing:
1. **Accessing the Subconscious:** Brainspotting allows therapists to help clients access deeper emotional states by identifying specific "brain spots" linked to traumatic memories. This can lead to more profound emotional processing.
2. **Releasing Stored Trauma:** By focusing on these brain spots, clients can release stored trauma held in the body, which may manifest as physical symptoms or emotional distress.
3. **Reducing Hyperarousal:** The technique helps regulate the nervous system, reducing symptoms of hyperarousal, such as anxiety and heightened vigilance, commonly associated with PTSD.
4. **Enhancing Emotional Regulation:** As clients process traumatic experiences, they often develop better emotional regulation skills, leading to improved coping strategies in daily life.
5. **Creating a Safe Space:** Brainspotting provides a safe environment for clients to explore their feelings and experiences, fostering trust and allowing for deeper therapeutic work.
6. **Promoting Integration:** The process encourages the integration of traumatic memories, helping individuals make sense of their experiences and reducing the emotional charge associated with them.
Overall, Brainspotting can be a powerful tool in trauma therapy, aiding in the journey toward healing and recovery.
You may still have concerns about Trauma Treatment
Will I be required to talk about and re-experience all of the bad things that happened to me?
You won't have to re-experience everything unless that's what you choose. The primary goal is to help you move through the process at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. Some people want to talk about the past, while others don’t. Diving into painful memories in an unstructured way is not helpful. So, we will work together to find the approach that feels right for you.
How will I know that brainspotting has been effective in treating my trauma symptoms?
You’ll know Brainspotting has reduced your trauma when you experience a decrease in symptoms such as anxiety and flashbacks, along with improved emotional control and stability. You may find that you have a new perspective on your traumatic experiences, an increased self-awareness of your feelings, and better coping skills for managing stress. Additionally, you might notice positive changes in your behavior, such as re-engaging in activities you previously avoided, feeling more grounded and safer, and experiencing less emotional charge associated with past memories.
how long will it take for trauma therapy to work?
The time it takes for trauma therapy to be effective varies widely depending on several factors, including the severity of the trauma you are experiencing, the type of therapy used, and individual responses to treatment. Some people may notice improvements in just a few sessions, while others might need several months or longer to feel significant changes. Consistency and openness in the process can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
If you are ready to take the first step to take back control over your life at your pace, feel free to contact me for a free 20-minute phone consultation to see how trauma treatment can help you.
I was really struggling with my fear of flying or riding in elevators. I could force myself to stay calm on the outside but was freaking out on the inside. With just a few Brainspotting sessions with Darleen, the amount of distress and anxiety I once felt was greatly reduced. I am so grateful for Darleen's calm presence and skills.
B.L.
