Trauma typically will leave its mark in ways that do not fit traditional treatment methods. For example, it stands to reason that a victim would feel relieved when they tell their therapist everything that they have gone through. But instead, they often feel exposed or ashamed. What is considered “normal” therapy does not always work for trauma victims.
Trauma victims often approach therapy with many different emotional responses. They may:
These are common patterns, and they are destined to be repeated until something happens to change them. Trauma victims are often desperate for a positive change in their lives, but at the same time, they are terrified of that change. It can be as confusing for the client as it is for the therapist. But it helps to understand the traumatic response.
What is the Emergency Stress Response?
In a perfect world, when a person encountered a traumatic event, they would go through the following:
Of course, this is rarely how it goes, even if the event does not end up being traumatizing and life-altering. Instead, for trauma victims, when humans are in danger, the emergency stress response is preparing the person to take action. That might be running away, hiding or fighting it out. The amygdala activates the hypothalamus, which initiates and adrenaline release, which leads to the sympathetic nervous system getting turned on.
The surge in adrenaline speeds up the heart rate and respiration, which allows more oxygen to flow to the muscles in the body. The body is preparing itself for fight or flight. As this takes place, cortisol is being released in the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is known for energy conservation, which is why some people might freeze in those moments to avoid exposure. This system helps the person to recover in the moments after the event has taken place.
Always Ready for Danger
Trauma victims often find themselves in a state of remaining ready to head off potentially dangerous situations. They may manifest as hypervigilance or disconnection, with parasympathetic responses usually winning. This is why people who have been traumatized often find themselves feeling depressed, numb and exhausted.
These individuals have inadvertently learned to dysregulate when they face stressful situations. If traumatic events happen during childhood, these children will typically carry them into adulthood unless something happens to disrupt that cycle.
Help is Available Through Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy can make such a difference, and help is available to people who have been victims of trauma. If you would like to make an appointment, please contact me right away.
