What Is Trauma / PTSD And Can It Be Treated?
Trauma is a complex personal experience that can have a significant impact on someone's emotional and psychological well-being. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, (see DSM symptoms) is a diagnosable mental health condition that can occur after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Trauma can be caused by a wide variety of experiences or events, but generally involves an event that someone perceives as very threatening or overwhelming.
This can include situations such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or natural disasters, being involved in a serious accident, or experiencing a life-threatening illness or medical procedure.
Traumatic experiences can also include prolonged or ongoing stress, such as living in a very unstable or dangerous environment or experiencing bullying. For example, people with certain jobs or in certain professions may be exposed to potentially traumatic events almost daily. These jobs may include police officers, firefighters, members of the military, hospital workers, etc.
Regardless of whether trauma comes from ongoing events or situations (work, domestic violence and intimidation, abuse, harassment) or from a single incident (accidents, natural disasters, sexual violence and assault), it can result in serious mental health difficulties and challenges if not addressed.
For help with trauma or PTSD we welcome you to book an appointment with our Halifax psychologists, or complete the form at the bottom of this page. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy.
We offer supportive, evidence-based, scientifically validated therapy and custom match every client with a therapist who best suited for your needs and goals in counselling.
Trauma can be caused by a wide variety of experiences or events, but generally involves an event that someone perceives as very threatening or overwhelming.
This can include situations such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or natural disasters, being involved in a serious accident, or experiencing a life-threatening illness or medical procedure.
Traumatic experiences can also include prolonged or ongoing stress, such as living in a very unstable or dangerous environment or experiencing bullying. For example, people with certain jobs or in certain professions may be exposed to potentially traumatic events almost daily. These jobs may include police officers, firefighters, members of the military, hospital workers, etc.
Regardless of whether trauma comes from ongoing events or situations (work, domestic violence and intimidation, abuse, harassment) or from a single incident (accidents, natural disasters, sexual violence and assault), it can result in serious mental health difficulties and challenges if not addressed.
For help with trauma or PTSD we welcome you to book an appointment with our Halifax psychologists, or complete the form at the bottom of this page. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy.
We offer supportive, evidence-based, scientifically validated therapy and custom match every client with a therapist who best suited for your needs and goals in counselling.
Is Trauma The Same As PTSD?
Although the terms "trauma" and "PTSD" are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same thing (but are related).
Specifically, trauma refers to the actual experience or event that causes psychological distress, whereas PTSD refers to a specific cluster of symptoms and responses to the trauma.
Someone may experience trauma or be traumatized, but not have PTSD. In this situation, the person may not have symptoms in sufficient number or intensity for a formal diagnosis.
Specifically, trauma refers to the actual experience or event that causes psychological distress, whereas PTSD refers to a specific cluster of symptoms and responses to the trauma.
Someone may experience trauma or be traumatized, but not have PTSD. In this situation, the person may not have symptoms in sufficient number or intensity for a formal diagnosis.
What Are The Symptoms Of Trauma And PTSD?
The symptoms of trauma and PTSD can, of course, vary from person to person, but may include:
Flashbacks
PTSD flashbacks happen when someone experiences vivid and intense memories or visions related to a traumatic event. These flashbacks can feel like the event is happening again in real-time, and can cause feelings of intense fear and anxiety. They can occur unexpectedly and can be triggered by certain sights, sounds, or smells related to the traumatic event. When they occur, PTSD flashbacks can be very distressing and can cause significant disruptions a person's life.
Hyper-Vigilance
Traumatic experiences can lead to a heightened state of arousal and hyper-vigilance, in which individuals become overly aware of their surroundings and may feel constantly on guard. This can be especially true for those who have experienced trauma related to physical or emotional violence, as they may understandably be on the lookout for potential threats or danger.
Nightmares
Trauma-related nightmares involve vivid and terrifying dreams about reliving the traumatic event or similar situations often related to the event. These nightmares can be very realistic and can cause someone to wake up feeling afraid, anxious, or confused. Trauma-related nightmares can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from reality, which makes them particularly distressing.
Avoidance Behaviours
Following a traumatic event or situation, a person will often avoid places, situations, or people that remind them of the trauma. This may include the site of the traumatic event, people who were involved in the event or even those who remind the person of the event. Avoidance can also include certain topics that relate to the traumatic event. It should be noted that short-term avoidance can sometimes be a healthy coping mechanism used to manage emotions and prevent further trauma.
Startle Responses
PTSD startle responses typically refer to a heightened reflex or reaction to loud noises or sudden movements. This person may jump, flinch, or become easily scared by unexpected events or noises. Common startle triggers include doors slamming, car backfiring, or someone quickly approaching from behind.
Sleep Difficulties
Individuals with trauma or PTSD often experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and having restful sleep. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Additionally, avoidance behaviours (as discussed above) can lead to people avoiding bed because of a to fear of nightmares.
Concentration Problems
Trauma can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks and maintaining attention, as well as difficulty processing and retaining information. It can also cause the person to have racing or intrusive thoughts that distract them from tasks they are attempting to focus on. Trauma can also cause a decrease in motivation and energy, which can further reduce concentration.
Feelings of Guilt and Shame
Unfortunately, traumatic experiences can cause feelings of guilt and shame as the person may blame themselves for the traumatic event...or for their reactions to it. These emotions can be especially intense in cases of abuse or neglect.
Depression
Traumatic events can lead to the development of depression, as the person struggles to make sense of what happened. This can result in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair, which are all common symptoms of depression. Trauma can also have a negative impact on one's self-worth and self-esteem, which can further contribute to the development of a mood disorder.
Anger and Irritability
Traumatic experiences can result in feelings of frustration and helplessness, which can quickly turn into anger. The person may feel on edge and easily agitated, leading to increased irritability and anger. This difficulty regulating in regulating emotions and lose of control can cause intense, unexpected, and explosive outbursts.
Substance Abuse
Individuals who have experienced trauma may turn to substances such as drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distressing memories associated with the event. Substance use may provide a (very) temporary relief from difficult memories and emotions, but in the long term, it certainly worsens the person's prognosis.
Interpersonal Conflict
Traumatic experiences can lead to difficulties in trusting others, feeling isolated, and developing negative beliefs about yourself or others. This my lead to more frequent conflicts with friends, family, or romantic partners, as people who have experienced trauma may have difficulty communicating their needs and feelings, leading to misunderstandings or disagreements. As mentioned above, people with trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which further contributes to interpersonal conflicts.
Anxiety
Following trauma, it is not uncommon to have an overwhelming sense of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness, Trauma victims may have negative beliefs about themselves, the future, and the safety of the world in general, which can lead to feelings of worry and anxiety. As a result, they may find it difficult to relax, as their anxiety levels are often elevated.
Changes in Eating Habits
People who have experienced trauma may notice changes in appetite, either an increase or decrease. This may be due to heightened emotional stress, changes in mood, or physical symptoms such as nausea or stomach problems. Additionally, trauma can also increase the risk of eating disorders, such as binge eating or anorexia.
Increased Risk Taking Behaviours
As we have described, traumatic events can lead to feelings of helplessness and a perfectly understandable desire for control. Unfortunately, this can result in risky behaviours in an attempt to regain a sense of autonomy. This may include drug and alcohol use, reckless driving, dangerous physical activities, gambling, and sexual activities.
Overreaction to Minor Threats
Traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on an individual's nervous system, leading to heightened sensitivity and reactivity to perceived threats, even minor ones. They may overreact to small or non-threatening things, such as a loud noise, an unexpected touch, or well-meaning suggestions or feedback from a friend, as their nervous system is now more easily activated.
Loss of Interest in Activities
Much like those who are depressed, people who have experienced trauma may lose interest in activities or hobbies that they used to enjoy. Traumatic events can have a profound impact on one's sense of self-worth, making it difficult for them to find pleasure. If they are also experiencing guilt or shame about the trauma, they may even believe that they do not deserve to experience happiness or joy anymore.
Memory Issues
Traumatic events can lead to memory loss, fragmented or distorted memories, or intrusions of unwanted memories related to the traumatic experience. This may due to changes in the brain's amygdala and hippocampus, which among other things, are responsible for detecting threats, controlling fear, processing and storing memories, and learning.
Looping Thoughts / Rumination
Rumination refers to a pattern of dwelling on negative or distressing thoughts, and it is a common symptom of trauma. If you have experienced trauma you may find yourself continuously thinking about the traumatic event, replaying it in your mind and reliving the emotions and sensations associated with it.
Flashbacks
PTSD flashbacks happen when someone experiences vivid and intense memories or visions related to a traumatic event. These flashbacks can feel like the event is happening again in real-time, and can cause feelings of intense fear and anxiety. They can occur unexpectedly and can be triggered by certain sights, sounds, or smells related to the traumatic event. When they occur, PTSD flashbacks can be very distressing and can cause significant disruptions a person's life.
Hyper-Vigilance
Traumatic experiences can lead to a heightened state of arousal and hyper-vigilance, in which individuals become overly aware of their surroundings and may feel constantly on guard. This can be especially true for those who have experienced trauma related to physical or emotional violence, as they may understandably be on the lookout for potential threats or danger.
Nightmares
Trauma-related nightmares involve vivid and terrifying dreams about reliving the traumatic event or similar situations often related to the event. These nightmares can be very realistic and can cause someone to wake up feeling afraid, anxious, or confused. Trauma-related nightmares can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from reality, which makes them particularly distressing.
Avoidance Behaviours
Following a traumatic event or situation, a person will often avoid places, situations, or people that remind them of the trauma. This may include the site of the traumatic event, people who were involved in the event or even those who remind the person of the event. Avoidance can also include certain topics that relate to the traumatic event. It should be noted that short-term avoidance can sometimes be a healthy coping mechanism used to manage emotions and prevent further trauma.
Startle Responses
PTSD startle responses typically refer to a heightened reflex or reaction to loud noises or sudden movements. This person may jump, flinch, or become easily scared by unexpected events or noises. Common startle triggers include doors slamming, car backfiring, or someone quickly approaching from behind.
Sleep Difficulties
Individuals with trauma or PTSD often experience difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and having restful sleep. This can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating during the day. Additionally, avoidance behaviours (as discussed above) can lead to people avoiding bed because of a to fear of nightmares.
Concentration Problems
Trauma can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks and maintaining attention, as well as difficulty processing and retaining information. It can also cause the person to have racing or intrusive thoughts that distract them from tasks they are attempting to focus on. Trauma can also cause a decrease in motivation and energy, which can further reduce concentration.
Feelings of Guilt and Shame
Unfortunately, traumatic experiences can cause feelings of guilt and shame as the person may blame themselves for the traumatic event...or for their reactions to it. These emotions can be especially intense in cases of abuse or neglect.
Depression
Traumatic events can lead to the development of depression, as the person struggles to make sense of what happened. This can result in feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and despair, which are all common symptoms of depression. Trauma can also have a negative impact on one's self-worth and self-esteem, which can further contribute to the development of a mood disorder.
Anger and Irritability
Traumatic experiences can result in feelings of frustration and helplessness, which can quickly turn into anger. The person may feel on edge and easily agitated, leading to increased irritability and anger. This difficulty regulating in regulating emotions and lose of control can cause intense, unexpected, and explosive outbursts.
Substance Abuse
Individuals who have experienced trauma may turn to substances such as drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with the emotional pain and distressing memories associated with the event. Substance use may provide a (very) temporary relief from difficult memories and emotions, but in the long term, it certainly worsens the person's prognosis.
Interpersonal Conflict
Traumatic experiences can lead to difficulties in trusting others, feeling isolated, and developing negative beliefs about yourself or others. This my lead to more frequent conflicts with friends, family, or romantic partners, as people who have experienced trauma may have difficulty communicating their needs and feelings, leading to misunderstandings or disagreements. As mentioned above, people with trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions, which further contributes to interpersonal conflicts.
Anxiety
Following trauma, it is not uncommon to have an overwhelming sense of fear, uncertainty, and helplessness, Trauma victims may have negative beliefs about themselves, the future, and the safety of the world in general, which can lead to feelings of worry and anxiety. As a result, they may find it difficult to relax, as their anxiety levels are often elevated.
Changes in Eating Habits
People who have experienced trauma may notice changes in appetite, either an increase or decrease. This may be due to heightened emotional stress, changes in mood, or physical symptoms such as nausea or stomach problems. Additionally, trauma can also increase the risk of eating disorders, such as binge eating or anorexia.
Increased Risk Taking Behaviours
As we have described, traumatic events can lead to feelings of helplessness and a perfectly understandable desire for control. Unfortunately, this can result in risky behaviours in an attempt to regain a sense of autonomy. This may include drug and alcohol use, reckless driving, dangerous physical activities, gambling, and sexual activities.
Overreaction to Minor Threats
Traumatic experiences can have a significant impact on an individual's nervous system, leading to heightened sensitivity and reactivity to perceived threats, even minor ones. They may overreact to small or non-threatening things, such as a loud noise, an unexpected touch, or well-meaning suggestions or feedback from a friend, as their nervous system is now more easily activated.
Loss of Interest in Activities
Much like those who are depressed, people who have experienced trauma may lose interest in activities or hobbies that they used to enjoy. Traumatic events can have a profound impact on one's sense of self-worth, making it difficult for them to find pleasure. If they are also experiencing guilt or shame about the trauma, they may even believe that they do not deserve to experience happiness or joy anymore.
Memory Issues
Traumatic events can lead to memory loss, fragmented or distorted memories, or intrusions of unwanted memories related to the traumatic experience. This may due to changes in the brain's amygdala and hippocampus, which among other things, are responsible for detecting threats, controlling fear, processing and storing memories, and learning.
Looping Thoughts / Rumination
Rumination refers to a pattern of dwelling on negative or distressing thoughts, and it is a common symptom of trauma. If you have experienced trauma you may find yourself continuously thinking about the traumatic event, replaying it in your mind and reliving the emotions and sensations associated with it.
What Are The Subtypes Of Trauma?
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Acute Trauma
Acute trauma refers to a single traumatic event that occurs suddenly and without warning. It can be relatively brief but still intense and can cause psychological distress and leave long-lasting impacts on someone's emotional and mental health. Examples of acute trauma include car accidents, sexual assault, physical attacks, natural disasters. Chronic Trauma Chronic trauma refers to ongoing traumatic events that occur over an extended period of time. It can involve exposure to multiple instances of trauma, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, bullying, or other forms of ongoing stress. Chronic trauma can can cause long-term psychological distress, emotional numbing and difficulty with trust and intimacy. |
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma occurs repeatedly and usually consists of multiple traumatic experiences. It typically involves a trusted relationship between the victim and the abuser, such as in cases of childhood abuse or domestic violence. Complex trauma can lead to a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties, as can disrupt healthy development and can impair a person's ability to form healthy relationships, regulate emotions, and develop a stable sense of identity.
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma refers to how family members, close friends, caregivers, and professionals who work trauma victims sometimes internalize the trauma symptoms of those they are caring for. This can occur in professions such social workers, paramedics, or other professionals who regularly hear or witness traumatic experiences. Symptoms of vicarious trauma can include intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hopelessness, and feelings of ineffectiveness or burnout.
Complex trauma occurs repeatedly and usually consists of multiple traumatic experiences. It typically involves a trusted relationship between the victim and the abuser, such as in cases of childhood abuse or domestic violence. Complex trauma can lead to a range of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties, as can disrupt healthy development and can impair a person's ability to form healthy relationships, regulate emotions, and develop a stable sense of identity.
Vicarious Trauma
Vicarious trauma refers to how family members, close friends, caregivers, and professionals who work trauma victims sometimes internalize the trauma symptoms of those they are caring for. This can occur in professions such social workers, paramedics, or other professionals who regularly hear or witness traumatic experiences. Symptoms of vicarious trauma can include intrusive thoughts, avoidance, hopelessness, and feelings of ineffectiveness or burnout.
How Does Trauma Affect The Brain?
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Trauma can can affect various brain regions and functions.
One of the main changes that occur in the brain after experiencing trauma is an increase in activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and detecting threats. This can lead to heightened emotional reactivity and difficulty regulating emotions. Trauma can also affect the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation and retrieval, leading to memory impairments or difficulties with attention and thinking. Thankfully, it is thought that via neuroplasticity, a healthy environment, and appropriate support, it is possible to heal and "rewire" the brain following trauma. |
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How Is Trauma Treated Via Therapy?
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that is specifically designed for treating trauma. It works by using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while the client focuses on recalling the traumatic experience. This helps to desensitize the individual to the traumatic memory and reprocess it in a way that reduces its emotional impact.
The overall goal of EMDR is to help the individual process and integrate the traumatic memory in a way that reduces the emotional distress associated with it.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that is specifically designed for treating trauma. It works by using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) while the client focuses on recalling the traumatic experience. This helps to desensitize the individual to the traumatic memory and reprocess it in a way that reduces its emotional impact.
The overall goal of EMDR is to help the individual process and integrate the traumatic memory in a way that reduces the emotional distress associated with it.
CBT
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for trauma works by helping you identify and understand the thoughts and beliefs they have been using to cope with your traumatic experience. These thoughts and beliefs can contribute to emotional distress and avoidance behaviours.
During CBT for trauma, a therapist will help you identify and challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic ones. The psychologist will also work on changing unhelpful behaviours help you to develop healthy coping skills.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for trauma works by helping you identify and understand the thoughts and beliefs they have been using to cope with your traumatic experience. These thoughts and beliefs can contribute to emotional distress and avoidance behaviours.
During CBT for trauma, a therapist will help you identify and challenge these negative thoughts and replace them with more positive, realistic ones. The psychologist will also work on changing unhelpful behaviours help you to develop healthy coping skills.
ACT
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for trauma works by helping you accept difficult thoughts and feelings associated with trauma, rather than trying to completely eliminate or control them. A therapist may also help the client develop mindfulness skills to observe their thoughts without getting stuck in them.
These interventions are used to reduce the negative impact of these thoughts and emotions. The overall goal of ACT for trauma is to help the client develop a greater sense of psychological flexibility and improve their ability to engage in purposeful and fulfilling behaviours.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) for trauma works by helping you accept difficult thoughts and feelings associated with trauma, rather than trying to completely eliminate or control them. A therapist may also help the client develop mindfulness skills to observe their thoughts without getting stuck in them.
These interventions are used to reduce the negative impact of these thoughts and emotions. The overall goal of ACT for trauma is to help the client develop a greater sense of psychological flexibility and improve their ability to engage in purposeful and fulfilling behaviours.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is not a specific treatment method like CBT, but rather, a global approach to assisting clients who have experienced trauma and a set of guiding principles that are followed in therapy.
Some of these principles include:
1) Safety First
Creating an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for clients to seek help and support.
2) Trustworthiness and Transparency
Building trust through clear communication, respectful interactions, and consistent actions.
3) Peer support
The main principle of peer support is that people with lived experience of trauma can provide a unique perspective and support that is based on shared experiences and empathy. This type of support can be an effective way to reduce feelings of isolation, shame, and hopelessness.
4) Collaboration and Mutuality
Working with clients to identify their needs and strengths and to develop a plan that is led by the person.
5) Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
Encouraging autonomy, self-advocacy, and decision making.
Some of these principles include:
1) Safety First
Creating an environment that is physically and psychologically safe for clients to seek help and support.
2) Trustworthiness and Transparency
Building trust through clear communication, respectful interactions, and consistent actions.
3) Peer support
The main principle of peer support is that people with lived experience of trauma can provide a unique perspective and support that is based on shared experiences and empathy. This type of support can be an effective way to reduce feelings of isolation, shame, and hopelessness.
4) Collaboration and Mutuality
Working with clients to identify their needs and strengths and to develop a plan that is led by the person.
5) Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
Encouraging autonomy, self-advocacy, and decision making.
How Can Our Psychologists Help With Trauma?
Trauma therapy can provide a safe and supportive space for you to process and talk about your traumatic experiences, reducing the feelings of isolation and shame that can often come with trauma.
Therapy can also help you to understand the impact of the traumatic experience on your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, and teach healthy coping and problem-solving skills to manage other symptoms or difficulties that have arisen following the trauma.
If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, seeking professional help from a trauma-informed therapist can make a significant difference in healing and resilience.
Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to support you.
Therapy can also help you to understand the impact of the traumatic experience on your emotions, thoughts, and behaviours, and teach healthy coping and problem-solving skills to manage other symptoms or difficulties that have arisen following the trauma.
If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma, seeking professional help from a trauma-informed therapist can make a significant difference in healing and resilience.
Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to support you.
Let's Get Started.
We are conveniently located in Halifax, Nova Scotia and have many clients from the areas of Bedford, Sackville, Clayton Park, and Dartmouth.
We provide in-person and online therapy to all of Nova Scotia and also offer virtual services to clients in New Brunswick.
Please complete our short request form below and we will be in touch asap with appointment options.
Confidential Contact - Counselling / Therapy
Green Leaf Psychological - Halifax, Nova Scotia
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After you submit the form, we will definitely get back to you. However, email is often filtered into junk mail folders by mistake.
To prevent this from happening, please add [email protected] to your list of safe contacts...or make sure to check your spam folder if you don't see a reply in your inbox within 24 hours.
Thanks!
Green Leaf Psychological Services, Inc.