Most people will experience trauma in their lifetime. Trauma is rarely the result of one singular event (like a car accident), and is more often cumulative (or complex). Trauma can be mental, emotional, sexual, or physical in nature. 

Life experiences, particularly early life experiences, shape our brain's architecture. Meaning, our past experiences literally become flesh and blood structures in the brain and nervous system. It's important to note the body systems involved in trauma are automatic, meaning they work/respond without a person's conscious effort.  

Before the brain has even made meaning out of an experience, the nervous system has assessed the environment for threats based off previous traumas and has initiated a response to ensure our survival. When the body's threat-response system is overused, and the body is out of balance - this is where you will commonly see behavioral issues that most people designate as "bad behavior" even though it's actually a non-conscious trauma response. 

In these circumstances, the support, guidance, and assistance of a therapist is fundamental in healing from trauma.

Common Action-Oriented (Fight/Flight) Behaviors 

• Anger/Aggression
• Defensive
• Reactive
• Impulsive
• Hostile
• Irrational
• Self-centered
• Poor focus
• Sleep disturbances
• Fidgety / Hyperactive 
• Anxiety 
• Irritability 
• Delays in developmental milestones (physical, language, etc)

Passive-Oriented (Mitigating) Behaviors 

• Dissociation
• Stuck / Paralysis of action 
• Emotional numbing
• Distraction
• Addictions
• Self-injury
• Suicidality 
• Compulsive behavior
• Sad 
• Withdrawn
• Difficulty attaching securely 

Research has proven several effective methods for the treatment of trauma. Trauma resulting from one singular event can effectively be treated through CBT Narrative exposure. Other forms of treatment can include: nervous system regulation, somatic experiencing, tension and trauma releasing exercises (TRE), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).

Unresolved trauma in the body can make everyday life feel exhausting and distressing. Please reach out to me for a free consultation if you're interested in healing from trauma/PTSD. 

PTSD Criteria (DSM-5)

The DSM-5 lists four main types of symptoms related to trauma and post-traumatic stress.

Criterion A: Exposure

• Directly exposure 
• Witnessing, in person
• Indirectly 

Criterion B: Intrusion symptoms

• Recurrent, involuntary and intrusive memories of the traumatic event
• Recurrent nightmares of the traumatic event 
• Dissociative reactions (flashbacks) 
• Intense or prolonged distress after exposure to internal or external reminders 
• Marked physiological reactivity after exposure to trauma-related stimuli 

Criterion C: Avoidance behaviors

• Avoiding external reminders (people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations)
• Avoiding internal cues (memories, thoughts, feelings) associated with the traumatic event

Criterion D: Negative alterations in mood & cognition 

• Inability to recall key features of the traumatic event 
• Persistent negative beliefs about oneself or the world 
• Distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the event causing self-blame
• Persistent negative emotional state (fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame)
• Markedly diminished interest or participation in activities  
• Feelings detached or estranged from others 
• Persistent inability to experience positive emotions