Trauma Counselling

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to deeply distressing or disturbing events that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope. It can result from a wide range of experiences, including accidents, abuse, loss, violence, or witnessing something deeply unsettling. Trauma affects not only the mind but also the body. It disrupts a person's sense of security and safety which can result in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, feeling helpless, and difficulty in relationships. The emotional and physical reactions to trauma can be intense and long-lasting, significantly affecting how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.

At Schaefer Counselling Services, we recognize that trauma is unique to each individual and can manifest in different ways. Our therapeutic approach is centered on creating a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, process their emotions, and begin the journey of healing.

Big "T" and Small "t" Trauma

Trauma is often categorized into two types:

• Big "T" Trauma: These are life-altering events that threaten one’s safety or bodily integrity, such as severe accidents, physical or sexual abuse, war, or natural disasters. These events typically trigger a strong fight, flight, or freeze response and have a lasting impact on the person’s sense of well-being and security.

• Small "t" Trauma: These are events that might not seem as dramatic but still cause emotional harm. They include experiences like divorce, rejection, job loss, or emotional neglect. Over time, even small "t" traumas can accumulate and lead to significant emotional distress.

Both types of trauma can leave lasting psychological effects, leading to challenges in emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, and overall mental health. 

Symptoms of PTSD

When trauma is severe and has not been properly processed, it can result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition where the individual continues to experience intense emotional and physical reactions long after the traumatic event. Common PTSD symptoms include:

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks: Recurrent, distressing memories of the event that feel as though they are happening again.
• Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as certain places, people, or activities.
• Hyperarousal: Constantly feeling on edge, irritable, or easily startled.
• Emotional numbness: Difficulty experiencing emotions, especially positive ones, or feeling disconnected from others.
• Negative mood and thinking: Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, fear, or anger, along with a bleak outlook on life.
• Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or experiencing nightmares related to the trauma.

The sense of feeling stuck and trapped in emotional states is a common experience among those who have experienced trauma. This may occur because trauma memories are stored in the brain in a fragmented and emotionally charged way, causing the individual to relive the distress whenever triggered. Emotional overwhelm can make it feel like there is no escape from the pain, leading to feelings of hopelessness or powerlessness. These states can prevent people from moving forward, leaving them locked in a cycle of emotional distress and recurring trauma responses.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective therapeutic approach to address trauma, particularly for those feeling stuck in their emotional responses. It works by helping the brain process and integrate traumatic memories. EMDR is particularly effective for treating PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. It helps individuals resolve their emotional and physical responses to trauma, allowing them to move past the feeling of being stuck and regain control of their emotional lives.

In addition, somatic approaches are effective to help clients get 'unstuck'. Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, helping you to release physical tension and trauma that is stored in the body and it can be used to complement EMDR therapy.

I am trained in EMDR and integrate other trauma-informed and evidence-based modalities into my practice. If you have any question about somatic interventions, or whether EMDR is appropriate for your concern, please reach out.