Trauma is a word that is often used to describe a range of distressing or life-threatening experiences that can have lasting effects on a person’s mental and physical health. However, trauma is not a monolithic concept; it can take many forms and affect people in different ways. In this article, we will explore some of the common types of trauma, how they impact the brain and body, and what can be done to heal from them. We will also discuss the benefits of seeking psychotherapy support for trauma, and answer some frequently asked questions about this topic.
What is trauma?
Trauma can be caused by a variety of events or situations, such as:
Child abuse or neglect
Domestic violence or intimate partner violence
Sexual assault or rape
Physical assault or injury
War or combat
Terrorism or mass violence
Natural disasters or accidents
Medical trauma or illness
Loss of a loved one or grief
Bullying or harassment
Discrimination or oppression
Trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, or background. However, some people may be more vulnerable to trauma due to factors such as:
Having a history of previous trauma or adversity
Having a pre-existing mental or physical health condition
Having limited social support or resources
Having a genetic predisposition or biological sensitivity
Living in a stressful or unsafe environment
Belonging to a marginalized or oppressed group
Types of Trauma
Trauma manifests in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and impacts on an individual's well-being. Understanding the different types of trauma is essential for effective intervention and support. Here are some common types of trauma:
Acute Trauma: Acute trauma refers to a single, intense event that occurs suddenly and has a significant impact on an individual's life. Examples include car accidents, natural disasters, physical assaults, or witnessing a violent incident. Acute trauma can result in immediate distress and may lead to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Chronic Trauma: Chronic trauma, also known as complex trauma, occurs as a result of prolonged exposure to stressful or traumatic experiences, often during childhood. Examples include ongoing abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or living in a war-torn region. Chronic trauma can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, leading to complex symptoms such as dissociation, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties forming relationships.
Developmental Trauma: Developmental trauma occurs during critical periods of a person's development, such as infancy, childhood, or adolescence. This type of trauma can result from experiences that disrupt healthy attachment relationships with caregivers, such as neglect, abuse, or separation from primary caregivers. Developmental trauma can have long-term consequences on a person's emotional development, social functioning, and sense of self.
Secondary Trauma: Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, occurs when individuals are exposed to traumatic events indirectly, such as through their work with trauma survivors or through media coverage of traumatic events. Professionals working in fields such as healthcare, emergency response, or mental health care may experience secondary trauma due to the emotional toll of witnessing others' suffering.
Complex PTSD: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who have experienced prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly in interpersonal relationships. It is characterized by symptoms such as emotional dysregulation, disturbances in self-concept, difficulties forming relationships, and alterations in consciousness. Complex PTSD often arises from experiences such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity.
Understanding the different types of trauma is crucial for tailoring interventions and support strategies to meet the unique needs of trauma survivors. By recognizing the diverse manifestations of trauma, we can provide more comprehensive and effective care to those impacted by traumatic experiences.
How does trauma affect the brain and body?
Trauma can have profound effects on the brain and body, as they are intimately connected and influence each other. When a person experiences a traumatic event, their brain perceives it as a threat and activates the stress response system, also known as the fight-flight-freeze response. This system involves the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to cope with the danger by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, muscle tension, and alertness.
The stress response system is adaptive and helpful in the short term, as it enables the person to survive the threat. However, if the stress response system is activated too frequently, too intensely, or for too long, it can become dysregulated and cause harm to the brain and body. Some of the consequences of chronic or complex trauma include:
Changes in brain structure and function, especially in areas involved in memory, emotion, learning, and self-regulation
Impairment in cognitive abilities, such as attention, concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving
Alterations in neurochemicals, such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, which affect mood, motivation, and pleasure
Dysregulation of the immune system, which increases the risk of inflammation, infection, and disease
Disruption of the endocrine system, which affects metabolism, growth, and reproduction
Damage to the cardiovascular system, which increases the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke
Disturbance of the gastrointestinal system, which affects digestion, absorption, and elimination
Impairment of the musculoskeletal system, which causes chronic pain, fatigue, and weakness
What are the symptoms of trauma?
The symptoms of trauma can vary depending on the type, severity, frequency, and duration of the traumatic event, as well as the person’s individual characteristics, coping skills, and support system. However, some of the common symptoms of trauma include:
Intrusive memories, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted thoughts
Avoidance of reminders, such as people, places, or situations that trigger distress
Negative changes in mood and cognition, such as depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, anger, or low self-esteem
Hyperarousal or hypervigilance, such as insomnia, irritability, agitation, or exaggerated startle response
Dissociation or detachment, such as feeling numb, unreal, or disconnected from oneself or others
Impaired functioning, such as difficulties in work, school, relationships, or daily activities
How can trauma be treated?
Trauma can be treated with various forms of psychotherapy, which is a type of talk therapy that involves working with a trained mental health professional to explore and process the traumatic event and its effects. Psychotherapy can help the person to:
Establish a safe and trusting relationship with the therapist
Identify and express their emotions and needs
Challenge and modify their negative beliefs and thoughts
Learn and practice coping skills and self-care strategies
Integrate and resolve their traumatic memories
Rebuild their sense of identity and meaning
Enhance their resilience and well-being
There are many types of psychotherapy that can be effective for trauma, depending on the person’s preferences, goals, and symptoms. Some of the evidence-based therapies for trauma include:
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT), which helps the person to examine and change their unhelpful beliefs and thoughts about the trauma and themselves
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE), which helps the person to gradually confront and reduce their fear of the trauma and its reminders
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), which helps the person to understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to the trauma
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which helps the person to process and reconsolidate their traumatic memories using eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation
Somatic therapies, such as somatic experiencing (SE) or sensorimotor psychotherapy (SP), which help the person to release and regulate the trauma stored in their body
Psychodynamic therapy, which helps the person to explore and heal their unconscious conflicts and patterns related to the trauma
Other methods, such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, art, music, or animal-assisted therapy, which can complement and enhance the effects of psychotherapy
Why is psychotherapy support important for trauma?
Psychotherapy support is important for trauma because it can offer the person a safe and supportive space to heal from their wounds and reclaim their life. Psychotherapy can provide the person with:
Validation and empathy, which can reduce their sense of isolation and shame
Education and information, which can increase their understanding and awareness of trauma and its effects
Guidance and feedback, which can help them to navigate and overcome their challenges and difficulties
Empowerment and agency, which can help them to regain their control and choice over their life
Hope and optimism, which can help them to envision and pursue their goals and dreams
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about trauma and psychotherapy:
Q: How do I know if I have trauma?
A: If you have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event that caused you physical or emotional harm or threatened your life or safety, and you have symptoms that interfere with your functioning or well-being, you may have trauma. However, the only way to know for sure is to seek a professional evaluation from a qualified mental health provider.
Q: How do I find a trauma therapist?
A: You can find a trauma therapist by asking for a referral from your primary care provider, insurance company, or local mental health agency. You can also search online directories, such as Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, or the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and meets your criteria. You may want to contact several therapists and ask them about their credentials, experience, approach, fees, and availability before choosing one that suits you.
Q: How long does trauma therapy take?
A: The duration of trauma therapy depends on many factors, such as the type and severity of the trauma, the person’s symptoms and goals, the therapist’s approach and methods, and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. Some people may benefit from short-term therapy, which can last from a few weeks to a few months, while others may need long-term therapy, which can last from several months to several years. The therapist and the person should regularly review their progress and adjust their treatment plan accordingly.
Q: What can I do to cope with trauma in the meantime?
A: While you are waiting for or undergoing trauma therapy, there are some things you can do to cope with trauma and support your recovery, such as:
Seek social support from people who care about you and understand you
Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, or fulfillment
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, and avoiding substances
Practice self-compassion and kindness, and acknowledge your strengths and achievements
Seek help from a crisis line, a helpline, or a support group if you feel overwhelmed or suicidal
Q: What if trauma therapy doesn’t work for me?
A: If trauma therapy doesn’t work for you, it doesn’t mean that you are hopeless or untreatable. It may mean that you need a different type of therapy, a different therapist, or a different approach. You may also need to address other factors that may be affecting your healing, such as co-occurring mental or physical health conditions, environmental stressors, or unresolved issues. You should discuss your concerns and expectations with your therapist and explore other options that may suit you better. Remember that healing from trauma is a process that takes time, patience.
Conclusion
Trauma is a complex and diverse phenomenon that can affect anyone in different ways. Trauma can have negative and lasting effects on the brain and body, resulting in various symptoms and impairments. However, trauma can also be treated and healed with psychotherapy, which can help the person to process and resolve their traumatic experiences, and to restore their mental and physical health. Psychotherapy can also provide the person with validation, education, guidance, empowerment, and hope, which can enhance their resilience and well-being. If you have experienced trauma, we encourage you to seek psychotherapy support from a qualified and compassionate professional, who can help you to unravel the diversity of adversity and to reclaim your life.
About the Author
D. Bhatta is the founder of Bhatta Psychotherapy, a private practice that specializes in trauma and related issues. D. Bhatta is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified trauma therapist, who has over 9 years of experience in working with individuals, couples, and groups who have suffered from various forms of trauma. D. Bhatta is also a trainer and a speaker, who regularly conducts workshops and seminars on trauma and its treatment. D. Bhatta is passionate about helping people to heal from their wounds and to achieve their full potential.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2014). SAMHSA’s concept of trauma and guidance for a trauma-informed approach. HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14-4884. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (Eds.). (2016). Treating complex traumatic stress disorders in adults: Scientific foundations and therapeutic models. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. New York, NY: Guilford Publications.
Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.
Ogden, P., & Fisher, J. (2015). Sensorimotor psychotherapy: Interventions for trauma and attachment. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.
Briere, J. N., & Scott, C. (2014). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.
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