Psychology of Trauma

Understanding Trauma: Its Impact and Recovery

The impact of trauma on an individual’s psychological well-being is truly profound. Whether it arises from a single distressing event or prolonged exposure to challenging circumstances, its effects can permeate every aspect of a person’s life, enduring for a significant period of time. The emotional and psychological toll of trauma can manifest in various ways, influencing the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It can disrupt their ability to trust, form healthy relationships, and navigate daily life with a sense of security.

The experience of trauma can lead to a range of emotional responses, from intense fear and anxiety to feelings of numbness and disconnection. Individuals may also struggle with intrusive thoughts, memories, and flashbacks related to the traumatic event, causing significant distress and disruption to their daily functioning. Moreover, the impact of trauma can extend to physical health, contributing to a heightened stress response, sleep disturbances, and overall well-being.

In addition, the effects of trauma can reverberate through an individual’s interpersonal relationships and social interactions, as the experience may influence their ability to communicate, set boundaries, and feel a sense of safety in the presence of others. The profound significance of trauma on one’s mental health underscores the importance of providing comprehensive support and understanding for those who have endured such experiences.

Types of Trauma

Acute Trauma

This type of trauma results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or assault. Individuals may experience symptoms of shock, disbelief, and emotional numbness immediately following the event.

Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma, also known as complex trauma, arises from prolonged exposure to distressing events, often within interpersonal relationships or in a certain environment. Examples include ongoing abuse, neglect, or living in a war zone. The impact of chronic trauma may be cumulative, resulting in pervasive emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects.

See Complex Trauma and Polyvictimization for more on this topic

Impact of Trauma

Emotional Impact

Trauma can lead to a range of emotional responses, including anxiety, depression, fear, and anger. Individuals may also experience emotional numbing, detachment, or a sense of hopelessness. Trauma heightens emotions, leading to recurring dysregulation and hair trigger startle responses of panic.

The devastating impact of traumatic experiences may magnify a person’s sensitivity to threatening signals of approaching danger. Randolph Neese, an evolutionary physician and psychiatrist, explains that “positive feedback spirals escalate anxiety. Repeated exposure to danger indicates that the anxiety system is not providing sufficient protection, so the system adjusts to become more sensitive” (Neese, 2019. Kindle location: 1,705).

Our biological system is adaptive. Trauma breeds creation of protective mechanisms to limit future experiences of trauma. Heightened emotions for possible signs of approaching danger is an evolutionary design. However, this protective feature also disrupts life by signalling approaching trauma when in reality usually no danger exists.

See Mood Disorders for more on this topic

Cognitive Impact

Trauma can significantly affect cognitive processes, leading to difficulties with concentration, memory, and decision-making. Intrusive thoughts and flashbacks related to the traumatic event may also disrupt daily functioning. Significant crises fragments our cognitions, shattering cognitive coherency. Traumatic life events significantly disrupt and draw from our limited cognitive resources, depleting cognitive strength to complete other tasks. In psychology, we refer to this as ego depletion.

In order to deal with the discomforting emotions, trauma survivors often adopt a variety of defense mechanisms. T. Franklin Murphy wrote, “when abuse, physical or emotional, is severe, we implement protective strategies to survive” (Murphy, 2022). In Neuroaffective Relational Model (NARM), Dr. Lawrence Heller identifies five survival adaptive styles that assist a child in early life to manage and survive a toxic home environment (Heller, 2012).

See Cognitive Psychology for more on this topic

Behavioral Impact

Individuals may exhibit changes in behavior as a result of trauma, such as avoiding situations that remind them of the tragedy, engaging in risky behaviors, or experiencing disruptions in their relationships with others.

Psychological Disorders Attributed to Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most well-known psychological disorders related to trauma. Other disorders often associated with trauma include:

• acute stress disorder,
• adjustment disorder,
• Panic disorder,
• and complex PTSD.

These disorders can manifest in various ways and may require different approaches to treatment.

Trauma During Childhood

Childhood trauma can have a profound and long-lasting impact on individuals. It can manifest in various forms, including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Research indicates that individuals who experience childhood trauma are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Furthermore, childhood trauma can also affect physical health. Studies have shown a correlation between adverse childhood experiences and the development of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, obesity, and substance abuse. The impact from early emotional and physical injuries can extend beyond childhood and into adulthood, influencing relationships, work, and overall well-being. Heller wrote, “as we become adults, these same survival strategies become the cause of ongoing nervous system dysregulation, dissociation, and self-esteem difficulties” (2012, Kindle location 363). 

Development during childhood sets the foundation for our lives. When conditions for healthy development are missing, we build shaky foundations for all future developmental stages.

See Past Trauma Living On in the Present for more on this topic

Recovery from Trauma

Remarkably, we humans our resilient. We can heal from trauma. Miller-Karas, LCSW, the creator of the trauma resiliency model explains, that “the ‘elegant design’ of the nervous system offers hope.” She continues, “understanding the neuroscience behind our suffering reframes our experience.” Markedly, she posits that our biological system functions “to heal and create new meanings and purpose from our suffering” (Miller-Karas, 2015).

There are many avenues available to support healing. Trauma doesn’t disappear when left to its own. We must address the tragedies of our lives. We must find ways to process the trauma.

See Unprocessed Trauma for more on this topic

Seeking Support

It is crucial for individuals who have experienced trauma to seek support from mental health professionals, friends, and family members. Therapy, support groups, and counseling can provide valuable tools for processing and coping with the hurt and suffering.

See Supportive Environments for more on this topic

Self-Care

Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, mindfulness practices, and healthy social interactions, can contribute to the healing process. Establishing a routine and engaging in activities that bring comfort and joy can also promote recovery.

See Self-Care for more on this topic

Building Resilience

Through therapeutic interventions, individuals can develop resilience and coping strategies to navigate the aftermath of trauma. This may involve reframing negative beliefs, learning relaxation techniques, and cultivating a sense of empowerment.

See Building Resilience for more on this topic

Types of Therapy Available to Assist with Healing

There are several effective therapies that help individuals heal from trauma. Some of the most commonly used ones include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

“This type of therapy, known as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a structured form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors related to the trauma. By exploring the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, CBT empowers individuals to understand how their perceptions and reactions influence their mental well-being. Through personalized techniques and strategies, individuals can learn to challenge and reframe unhelpful beliefs, ultimately fostering a more positive and adaptive mindset. CBT has been widely used to address various mental health concerns, offering practical tools for managing symptoms and promoting long-term resilience. As individuals engage in this therapeutic process, they can gain valuable insights and develop skills to navigate challenges, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment and renewed hope for the future.”

See Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for more on this style of therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach that has been shown to be effective in treating trauma-related disorders. It involves processing traumatic memories and emotions by following the therapist’s hand movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation. The therapist guides the individual in focusing on a specific disturbing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements, hand tapping, or auditory tones.

During this process, the individual is encouraged to let their mind wander and free-associate while the bilateral stimulation is ongoing. This allows the brain to process the distressing memory in a new way, diminishing its impact and helping the individual to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms. EMDR is based on the idea that traumatic experiences can get “stuck” in the brain, preventing the natural healing processes from taking place. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR is thought to help unlock and integrate the stuck memories, allowing the individual to experience relief and move forward.

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other trauma-related conditions. It is considered a safe and evidence-based therapy for those who have experienced distressing or traumatic events. If you or someone you know is considering EMDR therapy, it’s important to seek out a qualified and licensed mental health professional who is experienced in administering this specialized type of treatment.

See Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for more on this therapy style

Exposure Therapy

The approach of gradually and safely approaching trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations to reduce fear and anxiety is rooted in the principles of trauma-informed care and therapy. This method acknowledges the impact of traumatic experiences on an individual’s well-being and recognizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for the gradual processing of these experiences.

By slowly and cautiously revisiting trauma-related memories and emotions, individuals are given the opportunity to integrate these experiences into their life story in a healthier and more manageable way. This process can be facilitated through various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and mindfulness-based interventions.

The overarching goal is to empower individuals to confront and process their trauma in a controlled manner, allowing them to regain a sense of mastery and reduce the overwhelming distress often associated with unresolved traumatic experiences. This approach emphasizes the importance of pacing the therapeutic work according to the individual’s readiness and capacity to manage the emotional intensity that may arise during the process of revisiting and reevaluating past experiences.

Ultimately, by gradually and safely approaching trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations, individuals can work towards reducing the impact of past trauma on their present life, fostering resilience, and reclaiming a sense of agency and well-being.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

This is a type of CBT that combines elements of CPT and Exposure Therapy, as well as relaxation techniques, coping skills, and psychoeducation. It is especially designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, and involves their parents or caregivers in the treatment.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy, a widely used therapeutic approach, delves into the intricate interplay between past traumatic experiences and unconscious thoughts, shedding light on how these elements significantly influence one’s present behavior and emotions. By meticulously examining the subconscious dynamics and their manifestations in daily life, this form of therapy seeks to unveil the underlying causes of distress, paving the way for profound personal insights and transformative healing. Through a collaborative journey of introspection and exploration, individuals engaging in psychodynamic therapy can gain a deeper understanding of their psychological processes, ultimately fostering profound and sustained positive change.

See Psychodynamic Therapy for more on this style

Mindfulness-Based Therapies

Practices such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can help individuals develop awareness and acceptance of their present experiences.

See Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for more on this style of therapy

Somatic Therapies

These are types of therapies that focus on the body and its sensations, movements, and expressions. They help people release the physical and emotional tension and trauma stored in their bodies, and restore their sense of safety and connection.

Examples of somatic therapies are:

• somatic experiencing,
• sensorimotor psychotherapy,
• awareness through movement,
• and body-oriented psychotherapy.

Neuro-Affective Relational Model (NARM)

Lawrence Heller developed this therapy style specifically to treat trauma. He explains that “it is a model for human growth, therapy, and healing that, while not ignoring a person’s past, more strongly emphasizes a person’s strengths, capacities, resources, and resiliency.” Heller explains that NARM addresses the disorganization of the nervous system leading to distortions of identity through providing practical tools and techniques. He explains that “being present and regulated in our bodies helps us become aware of and disidentify from the many inaccurate ideas and judgments that we have about ourselves, other people, and the world. (Heller & LaPierre, 2012. Kindle location: 547).

See Neuro-Affective Relational Model for more on this therapy

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy approaches trauma with a focus on integrating the traumatic experience into the client’s present awareness. This approach emphasizes the exploration of emotions, sensations, and thought patterns related to the trauma, aiming to help the individual gain a fuller understanding of the impact of the experience on their present life. Through techniques such as reenactment, role-playing, and dialogue, Gestalt therapy encourages clients to re-experience and process the unresolved emotions and sensations associated with the trauma, with the goal of achieving a sense of closure and personal growth. The therapist also pays attention to body language and nonverbal cues, considering the holistic experience of the individual.

See Gestalt Therapy Exercises for more on this style of therapy

Each person responds differently to these approaches, so it’s essential to work with a qualified therapist to determine which therapy is best for the individual’s unique needs.

Human Growth and Tragedy

Trauma does not always have a sad ending. Countless people heal and move forward with their lives. The drug addicted young adult matures, abandons their addiction, and holds hands with others needing support in their own recovery journey. The domestic violence survivor escapes theri tormentor and builds a healthy relationship with someone new. We are resilient. We can grow through our tragedies. There is always hope.

See Post Traumatic Growth for more on this topic

A Few Words by Psychology Fanatic

Trauma can have a profound impact on an individual’s psychological well-being, but with the right support and interventions, it is possible to embark on a journey of healing and resilience. By understanding the nature of trauma and its effects, individuals and communities can work towards creating environments that foster recovery and growth.

Last updated: April 8, 2024

Resources:

Heller, Lawrence; LaPierre, Aline (2012). Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship. North Atlantic Books; 1st edition.

Miller-Karas, Elaine. (2015). Building Resilience to Trauma: The Trauma and Community Resiliency Models. Routledge; 2nd edition.

Murphy, T. Franklin (2022). Adaptive Survival Styles. Psychology Fanatic. Published 11-15-2022. Accessed 1-26-2024.

Nesse, Randolph M. (2019). Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry. ‎Dutton; 1st edition.

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