The aftermath of a traumatic experience can change the way you view the world around you. Feelings of fear, isolation, disconnection, and overwhelm can become your “new normal,” and trying to move through these feelings can seem impossible – but there is hope! Trauma is a deeply personal and subjective experience, which can lead many individuals to try to cope in unhealthy ways, which will only exacerbate symptoms. Seeking trauma-informed care from a licensed professional can help cultivate a sense of hope, purpose, and resilience.
As a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP), here are some of the common goals I set with clients when working on trauma recovery:
Acknowledgment and Validation: Many trauma survivors may blame themselves or minimize their experiences. Validation helps individuals understand that their emotional responses are normal reactions to abnormal events.
Building Coping Skills: Trauma recovery involves learning and practicing coping skills to manage emotional distress. These skills can include relaxation techniques, mindfulness meditation, stress management strategies, and healthy ways to regulate emotions. Developing a toolbox of coping mechanisms can help individuals deal with triggers and emotional challenges.
Emotional Processing: This stage involves exploring and processing the emotions associated with the trauma. This often occurs in therapy, where individuals can talk about their experiences, express their feelings, and understand what happened. My preferred intervention is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which can be effective in helping individuals process their emotions.
Self-Care and Resilience: Trauma recovery emphasizes self-care practices and building resilience. This includes taking care of one’s physical and mental health, maintaining a support network, and engaging in activities that promote well-being. This process involves finding meaning and purpose beyond the trauma, reconnecting with a sense of self, and regaining trust in themselves and others.
Preventing Relapse: Trauma recovery is not always linear, and setbacks can occur. Learning to recognize potential triggers and having a plan to manage them is essential for preventing relapse. Continuing therapy or support groups may also be beneficial for long-term stability.
Prioritizing your mental health is the first step in Recovery. Life after trauma is challenging, but you don’t have to do this alone. Contact our office for a free, 15-minute consultation where we can discuss how to move your life forward in the direction that you deserve.