Trauma is a word we have all heard, especially in recent years, and it is now starting to filter into the general public’s awareness in a much greater way. This is good news as it is informing everyone on a subject that affects us all. Understanding the effects of trauma is now more accessible than ever before, enabling people to talk more openly about this subject.
Most of us are aware that trauma can be caused from extremely distressing events. However, what is not often recognised is that trauma can also be a process, something that is built up just by our daily stresses. For example working too much, poor health, or struggling financially can all feel as though we should just be able to cope.
But the result can be a build up of trauma. Also, trauma can be passed on to you from your parents and even your grandparents, which has been demonstrated in the field of epigenetics. By addressing the sources of trauma and the effect it has on our daily lives can greatly assist the positivity of daily life.
Unresolved trauma has a profound effect on your psychological, physiological and spiritual health, impacting every area of your life, which is why it is so important to become aware of its impact on you.
Trauma is not just in your memories. It resides in every cell of your body, whether trauma is remembered in your conscious mind or not, your body remembers everything. Trauma is the reaction to an event that has not been fully processed. It is my job as a Bristol counsellor to assist in this processing of information.
It is not so much the event that triggered the trauma but how you responded to it and who was there to help you through. If trauma is not processed properly, it becomes stuck. Trauma literally changes the structure and function of your brain, It’s not “all in your head” and it’s not something you can just “get over.” However, the brain can re-wire through neuroplasticity, just as trauma changes the brain, healing to can also change the brain positively affecting new growth, resilience and connection.
Is the type of trauma that most people think about, such as: This can include sexual and physical childhood and or adult abuse, natural disasters, accidents, terrorist attacks, combat and war.
Little T Trauma can be a build up of many things, such as: consistent stress from work, infidelity and divorce, conflict within the family, bullying, sudden change, financial stress and illness
I work from a trauma informed perspective supporting individuals through a variety of issues as a psychodynamic counsellor in Bristol.
Trauma is a story of disconnection with yourself, others, and the environment, which creates a sense of not belonging. Due to the way trauma resides in your brain, nervous system and body it is essential that our work has a mind-body approach. This disconnection can also lead to a loss of meaning and purpose.
I create a safe space for reconnection and integration to occur, when another person bears witness to our vulnerabilities, we feel seen, heard and accepted, and this is what enables us to heal, become whole, and gain a sense of belonging. We know when we are healing because we start to feel more relaxed, have more energy, and feel a sense of joy in our lives again.
BSc (Hons), Dip.Couns, MBACP, AP.
I am a psychodynamic counsellor based in Stroud Gloucestershire and registered with the BACP. I have many years of experience working with mental health, addictions and trauma. Within these contexts I have worked with depression & anxiety, bereavement & loss, trauma, self-harm, chronic pain, low-self-esteem, and eating disorders.
I offer remote video consultations to anyone but have a large client base as a Bristol counsellor.