Psychologist Constanza Tirado

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Trauma Counselling

What is trauma counselling?

Trauma counseling is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping individuals cope with and recover from traumatic experiences. Trauma is an emotional response that is caused by a distressing event or series of events, such as abuse, a bad accident, rape or other sexual violence, agression, death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. 

Some reactions from a traumatic event include shock and denial, while more long-term reactions may include depression, relationship challenges, PTSD, anxiety and physical symptoms. Professional support from a mental health professional such as a Psychologist can help with coping and recovery.

The goal of trauma counseling is to provide support, validation, and tools for healing to those who have experienced trauma.

Establishing a sense of safety is crucial for individuals who have experienced trauma. This may involve creating a safe and confidential space for them to share their experiences without fear of judgment or harm.

Psychotherapy presents as a comfortable, private and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of stigma or repercussions.

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Types of traumatic Events:

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Some traumatic experiences include (but are not limited to):
  • Child abuse and child neglect
  • Sexual abuse
  • Verbal abuse
  • Bullying
  • Physical abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Natural disasters
  • Sex trafficking
  • Substance use
  • Accidents
  • War and refugee trauma
  • Terrorism
  • Grief

Trauma can come in different forms, like physical or emotional. Physical trauma involves serious injuries to the body, while emotional trauma involves how we feel after a tough experience. Emotional trauma can be broken down into a few types:

1. Acute emotional trauma: This is what we feel during and right after a single upsetting event.
2. Chronic emotional trauma: It’s the long-lasting emotional impact from ongoing or repeated distressing events that last for months or even years. Grief is a type of chronic emotional trauma.
3. Complex emotional trauma: This happens when we’re affected by multiple tough events, whether they’re connected or not.

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Psychological Symptoms of Emotional Trauma

Emotional responses to trauma can be any or a combination of the following:

  • Fear
  • Helplessness
  • Dissociation
  • Changes in attention, concentration, and memory retrieval
  • Changes in behavior, attitude, worldview
  • Difficulty functioning
  • Denial, or refusing to believe that the trauma occurred
  • Anger
  • Bargaining, which is similar to negotiation
  • Avoidance
  • Depression, anxiety
  • Mood swings
  • Guilt or shame
  • Blame (including self-blame)
  • Social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities
  • Emotional numbness

Physical Symptoms of Emotional Trauma

Emotional trauma can also manifest in the form of physical symptoms. These include:

 
  • Increased heart rate
  • Body aches or pains
  • Tense muscles
  • Feeling on edge
  • Jumpiness or startling easily
  • Nightmares
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue
  • Sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, difficulty becoming aroused, or difficulty reaching orgasm
  • Appetite changes
  • Alertness

Psychotherapy equips individuals with practical coping strategies and skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. These skills may include relaxation techniques, problem-solving strategies, assertiveness training, and communication skills.

Aditionally, psychotherpay helps individuals learn how to regulate their emotions more effectively, reducing the impact of mood swings, impulsivity, and emotional reactivity. Techniques such as mindfulness, emotion-focused therapy, and cognitive restructuring can be particularly helpful in this regard.

To prevent trauma to become a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, or if you feel like you have reach “rock bottom”, it’s fundamental to seek help. 

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As a Psychologist, I offer Trauma Counselling sessions, where we use therapeutic modalities such as trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and narrative therapy are specifically designed to address trauma and promote healing. 

Please do not hesitate to seek for help or reach out if you need help or would like to have more information.

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