Understanding Trauma

Trauma is a deeply personal experience that can occur when someone experiences, witnesses or is exposed to events that feel overwhelming, frightening or beyond their ability to cope. Whilst some people associate trauma with a single distressing event, it can also develop following repeated or long-term experiences, such as abuse, neglect, bullying, domestic violence, serious illness, loss or other significant life events. Not everyone responds to difficult experiences in the same way, and what feels traumatic for one person may not feel the same for another.

The impact of trauma can affect both the mind and body. Emotionally, people may experience anxiety, low mood, guilt, shame, anger or emotional numbness. Others may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, feeling constantly on edge or a sense of disconnection from themselves or those around them. Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, fatigue, sleep difficulties or an increased startle response are also common.

Understanding the Lasting Impact of Trauma

Trauma can influence the way we think, feel and relate to others long after the original event has passed. Some people may find themselves avoiding reminders of what happened, whilst others notice recurring patterns in their relationships, difficulties trusting others or feeling as though they are constantly in “survival mode”. Developing an understanding of these responses can be an important step towards making sense of your experiences and recognising that many trauma responses are understandable adaptations to overwhelming situations.

Healing from trauma is rarely a straightforward process, and there is no right or wrong way to respond to what has happened. Recovery looks different for everyone and often involves gradually developing a greater sense of safety, self-understanding and self-compassion.

How Counselling for Trauma Can Help

Counselling and psychotherapy can provide a safe, supportive and confidential space to explore the impact that trauma may have had on your life. It can also provide an opportunity to better understand the effects of trauma on both the body and mind through psychoeducation. By developing greater awareness of thoughts, feelings and patterns of relating, it is possible to make sense of difficult experiences, reduce their impact on everyday life and begin to move towards healing with greater confidence and resilience.

I provide counselling for trauma for adults in BS30 and the surrounding areas, including Bristol and Bath. To learn more about the impacts of trauma or to book an introductory session with me, get in touch via my Contact page.