A trauma victim’s symptoms represent memories that their “parts” use to express survival responses. The victim continues to feel like they are not safe; as if something is happening to threaten their wellbeing immediately. This causes them to react in defense. This is a misinterpretation of the traumatic response and it only causes the fragmented “parts” to feel trapped. This is why so many victims have hard time escaping those feelings of being in danger.
Trauma therapy can help by challenging that perception and it can allow victims to be in the present moment instead of in the past.
Signs of Danger or Just “Parts” Communication?
One of the most important things a trauma therapist can do is to help their client understand the difference between signs of danger and communication from their fragmented “parts.” This can be a challenge because so many trauma victims have come to see their reactions as just who they are. This is done in a few different ways:
Exploring the past is important, but it should be paced so that the nervous system gets to experience regulation instead of dysregulation. As a result, they are able to be in the present moment which can help them feel calmer, safer and think more clearly.
The Relief That Comes From Understanding
Unfortunately, a lot of trauma victims find themselves in cycles that involve experiencing triggers and then feeling inadequate. This happens because they do not understand post-traumatic implicit memory or structural dissociation. They may not even realize that they have been triggered by something that reminds them of their past.
But once they receive that revelation, it comes with great relief. Suddenly, they no longer have to feel chronically depressed, afraid of change, fearful or even suicidal. The “parts” may still be fragmented, but that understanding brings greater control, which is exactly what they need.
Every “part” has been conditioned to survive at all costs. Ignoring their presence only results in keeping people enslaved to their traumatic events. If a person can develop compassion toward those fragments of themselves, they can learn to put those memories in their proper places so that they no longer take over their lives. Actually, those “parts” should be celebrated because they did allow the trauma victim to survive. With the right kind of therapy, victims can learn to embrace those survival instincts and methods and enter into the healing process.
The Difference Trauma Therapy Can Make
Working with a trauma therapist can change a person’s life for the better; especially when the therapist practices these methods. Have you been the victim of trauma? I can help. Please contact me to make an appointment.
