fully realize your strengths and a healthier lifestyle
Trauma is a response to a deeply stressful or painful event that proves challenging to cope with. Victims of trauma are left feeling helpless, insecure, and scared, often keeping them isolated from the world around them.
Big “T” & Little “t” Trauma
Most of us associate trauma with distressing events such as natural disasters or war. However, any harrowing event that falls outside of a normal human experience can be considered trauma. Those who have experienced trauma are at high risk of developing substance abuse or addiction disorders, so it is important to understand the significant health implications of trauma.
Trauma falls into two main categories, commonly referred to as Big “T” and little “t.” Big “T” trauma is most associated with PTSD and includes serious injury, sexual violence, or life-threatening events. Threats of physical harm, sexual violence, or death can cause severe trauma even if the individual was never physically harmed. People who witness Big “T” events or those living or working close to trauma survivors can also suffer from PTSD, especially people who encounter emotional shock regularly, like police officers, paramedics, and therapists.
Little “t” traumas are distressing experiences that affect people on a personal level but don’t fit into the big “T” category. Examples of little “t” trauma include verbal or emotional abuse, non-life-threatening injuries, the death of a pet, harassment, bullying, and the loss of close relationships. Individuals have their own capacities to handle stress, which directly impacts their ability to cope with trauma. What is highly upsetting to one individual may not cause the same emotional response in another individual, so the key to understanding little “t” trauma is to focus on how it affects the person rather than center on the actual event.
Direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event. This exposure is followed by symptoms in the following four categories:
- Intrusion
- Avoidance
- Negative changes in mood and thoughts
- Changes in reactivity and arousal
When the trauma is severe enough, the negative effects may stick around longer, causing extended periods of distress. In these cases, trauma is referred to as “post-traumatic stress disorder” and is often known by its acronym, “PTSD.”
The Signs & Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma and PTSD can cause emotional, psychological, and physical effects that impact our daily lives. If you’re experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it may be beneficial to speak with a trauma-informed card Therapist.
Emotional & psychological effects of trauma:
- Flashbacks
- Feeling of numbness
- Sadness, depression, and hopelessness
- Anxiousness
- Agitation
- Fear
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feelings of shock, denial, or disbelief
- Self-blaming
- Feeling ashamed
- Anger
- Mood swings
Physical effects of trauma:
- Aches and pains
- Loss of appetite
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
- Accelerated heart rate
- Panic attacks
Treating Trauma Through Cognitive Reframing Therapy
At Beth Inc., we treat trauma at its core using Cognitive reframing. Our experienced therapist will assist you in gaining safe passage back to feeling calm, confident, and free from the struggles that the trauma caused.
During your sessions, our therapist will focus on your patterns of thinking and the relationship they have with your current feelings and behaviors. We will utilize proven and effective treatments such as mindfulness, narrative therapy, and cognitive reframing – giving you the tools you need to get back on track!
If left untreated, Trauma can quickly get out of control, impacting every aspect of the lives of those suffering from it. From negatively impacting your career to your relationships, Trauma can isolate you from your surroundings – and even your true self.
During treatment, the fear and insecurity will slowly leave you. Everyday life won’t be as difficult anymore, and you will once again feel at peace. Little by little, you will feel as if you have walked out of darkness and back into the sunshine, bringing those feelings of joy and serenity back into your life.
Overcome Trauma by Setting Goals with Our Therapist
As part of our promise to deliver you back to health, our individualized trauma therapy programs will help you implement goals from the get-go. Focusing on these objectives will set you on a path toward long-lasting recovery. And before you know it, you will be back spending time doing the things that really matter.
Know you don’t have to deal with trauma all on your own. Reach out to us so we can help you set goals to get you through the pain. We offer both in-person and virtual sessions. Reach out and schedule your session today.
