Trauma comes in many forms. Some of the most frequent are:
- A sudden, unexpected event, such as an assault or a car crash.
- Prolonged exposure to distressing circumstances, such as witnessing violence and gore in active combat.
- Repetitive hurtful behavior from people we rely on, such as parents, siblings, romantic partners, peers, and mentors.
Trauma fundamentally alters the way we experience the world. We become primed to notice and react to threats from others. People and events that remind us of our trauma may trigger strong emotional and physical reactions. We may struggle with feelings of shame and alienation from others who do not understand our experiences and who we fear will invalidate us if we attempt to describe them.
To work through trauma people need a safe space in which they can label and express their emotions, and feel understood and validated in their experiences. With this groundwork, people can start to work through how their trauma has shifted how they make sense of the world, and can explore feelings of loss and rage that may accompany these shifts. As they reconcile themselves to the impact of the trauma, people can begin to reconnect with the world around them. With reconnection can come a renewed sense of hopefulness and direction. This is a journey that takes resolve and courage, but which can open people to a greater sense of possibility in their lives.