Trauma Counselling
Trauma is a person’s emotional response to a distressing experience or
period in their lives.
There are two main types of traumas, Acute (Big-T) trauma and Complex
(Small-T) trauma.
Acute trauma usually results from a severely distressing once off experience
such as a car accident, a physical or sexual assault or the sudden death of a
loved one. This can cause symptoms such as anxiety attacks, nightmares,
flashbacks and/or anger and aggression.
Complex trauma usually happens as a result of repeated or prolonged
harmful events. It can develop in response to childhood neglect or lack of
connection to ones main caregiver. Living in highly stressful environments
where physical/sexual violence, bullying or domestic violence exist may also
lead to complex trauma. Symptoms may include, anxiety, low self-esteem,
relationship difficulties, anger, rage and depression.
My work with clients that have suffered trauma in their lives involves getting
to know and understand life from their perspective. I look to ensure that
they have adequate social supports and to create a safe space where we can
explore the traumatic events of their past. Together we look to Identify areas
where the past traumas are negatively impacting their lives in the present
and introduce methods to alleviate them.