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Psychological Trauma

Have you experienced situations that have left you with emotional and psychological trauma, such as abuse, violence, or neglect?

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Do you feel that the memories of these difficult experiences continue to affect your daily life, even years later?

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Do you face emotional difficulty when trying to talk about your past or manage the consequences of these experiences?

​Psychological trauma is the emotional response to situations that cause severe emotional pain. It can result from a single traumatic event, from prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences over time, or from multiple traumatic experiences. Psychological trauma experiences can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Common symptoms:

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  • Repeated flashbacks or memories of the traumatic event, feeling as if you are reliving the traumatic event, with intense emotional or physical symptoms

  • Nightmares or waking up during the night from nightmares related to the trauma

  • Emotional detachment, feelings of disconnection or isolation from others, difficulty connecting with other people

  • Excessive worry and sensitivity

  • Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, intense anxiety, or fear of impending disaster

  • Avoidance of situations, places, or people that remind you of or are related to the trauma

  • Feeling of loss of control

  • Intense feelings of fear or emotional vulnerability in everyday situations

  • Difficulty managing emotions

 

Psychological trauma can significantly affect mental and physical health and burden relationships with others.

Traumatic Experiences

Psychological trauma can arise from various experiences that impact a person’s sense of safety and control. Some common causes include:

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  • Abuse (verbal, psychological, physical, or sexual)

  • Childhood neglect (emotional or physical neglect)

  • School/workplace bullying or cyberbullying

  • Domestic violence (spousal or parental violence)

  • Racial violence (racism) or homophobia (towards LGBTQ+ identities)

  • Loss of a loved one or significant life change (e.g. divorce, death)

  • Traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters, or war, prolonged poverty

 

These experiences, especially when they are repeated or occur during childhood, can lead to deep psychological trauma that may last for years or even a lifetime if not addressed.

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"Small" and "Big" Traumas

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The concept of trauma is subjective and depends on each individual's response. A "small" trauma may be an experience that seems less severe to someone else but causes significant emotional distress for that person. Conversely, a "big" trauma typically refers to a catastrophic or dangerous experience, such as abuse or violence, that leaves deep psychological and physical scars. It is important to understand that trauma, whether large or small, affects the individual’s life and requires sensitivity and support for healing.

How can psychotherapy help?

Processing psychological trauma can be effectively done in a safe environment such as the therapeutic setting.

In the therapeutic framework, you will:

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  • Recognise the emotional and physical reactions triggered by trauma in the present moment.

  • Understand the stages of trauma therapy.

  • Learn grounding techniques to manage post-traumatic stress symptoms and restore a sense of safety.

  • Understand the systemic factors in your life that contribute to maintaining feelings of insecurity and lack of control.

  • Learn to manage your emotions better.

  • Process traumatic events in a safe environment.

  • Reframe your narrative about your trauma, reducing its impact on your daily life.

  • Connect with the environment around you by focusing on relationships and activities that offer you safety, calm, and joy.

  • Work towards restoring a sense of safety and control in your life.

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