Areas of Focus

Trauma

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“Repeated trauma in childhood forms and deforms the personality. The child trapped in an abusive environment is faced with formidable tasks of adaptation. She must find a way to preserve a sense of trust in people who are untrustworthy, safety in a situation that is unsafe, control in a situation that is terrifyingly unpredictable, power in a situation of helplessness. Unable to care for or protect herself, she must compensate for the failures of adult care and protection with the only means at her disposal, an immature system of psychological defenses.”
— JUDITH HERMAN

Traumatic events are overwhelming and evoke extreme fear and helplessness. Memories of trauma are typically difficult to forget and may be re-experienced in mind and body. To make matters worse, certain everyday experiences often act as trauma triggers, re-accessing the original trauma, and generating distressed states of mind.

Childhood experiences of trauma are particularly damaging given the process of internalization. The incorporation of a frightening external world generates an internal blueprint of ever-present danger that continues into adulthood. This may, at times, result in disproportionate responses. For example, if an adult who was traumatized as a child experiences an imagined threat, they may become fearful, withdraw and disengage. The risk exists of organizing adult life around re-living and defending against traumatic memories.

The following three stage model is often used to treat trauma:

  • Establishment of Safety

The first stage involves the development of safety and trust with your therapist. This includes a discussion of your personal history, setting the pace of therapy, and identifying ways to manage difficult mental states e.g. anxiety, flashbacks, and anger.

  • Remembrance and Mourning

The second stage involves an in-depth and detailed description of the trauma. This assists to dissipate the intensity of the original trauma, construct a new interpretation of the event, and develop an awareness of how current struggles connect back to the past.

  • Reconnection

The third stage involves the development of a revised sense of identity. This includes developing greater autonomy while remaining connected, maintaining boundaries while respecting those of others, taking more initiative, and deepening relationships.

References

Herman, J. (1992). Trauma and recovery. New York: Basic Books.