Trauma & Dissociation
“Traumatic events, by definition, overwhelm our ability to cope. When the mind becomes flooded with emotion, a circuit breaker is thrown that allows us to survive the experience fairly intact, that is, without becoming psychotic or frying out one of the brain centers. The cost of this blown circuit is emotion frozen within the body. In other words, we often unconsciously stop feeling our trauma partway into it, like a movie that is still going after the sound has been turned off. We cannot heal until we move fully through that trauma including all the feelings of the event.”
— Susan Pease Banitt, The Trauma Tool Kit
“Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival. Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process”
-Bessel A. Van Der Kolk
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have lasting effects on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It can arise from a variety of situations, leading to a range of responses and symptoms.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is is a serious mental health condition that can arise after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can include serious accidents, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, war, sexual assault, or the sudden death of a loved one, among others. PTSD can affect anyone, and it is characterized by intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in mood and cognition, and heightened arousal.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the criteria for diagnosing PTSD are as follows:
A. Exposure to a Traumatic Event- The person must have been exposed to a traumatic event. This can occur in one (or more) of the following ways:
1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event.
2. Witnessing the event as it occurs to others.
3. Learning that the traumatic event occurred to a close friend or family member (the actual or threatened death must have been violent or accidental).
B. Negative Alterations in Cognitions and Mood- Negative alterations in cognitions and mood associated with the traumatic event, beginning or worsening after the traumatic event, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
1. Inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event (dissociative amnesia).
2. Persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world.
3. Persistent distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event, leading to blame of self or others.
4. Persistent negative emotional state (e.g., fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame).
5. Diminished interest or participation in significant activities.
6. Feelings of detachment or estrangement from others.
7. Persistent inability to experience positive emotions.
E. Alterations in Arousal and Reactivity- Marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the traumatic event, beginning or worsening after the traumatic event, as evidenced by two (or more) of the following:
1. Irritable behavior and angry outbursts (with little or no provocation).
2. Reckless or self-destructive behavior
3. Hypervigilance
4. Exaggerated startle response
5. Problems with concentration
6. Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless sleep).
Duration- The duration of the symptoms (Criteria B, C, D, and E) must be more than one month.
G. Functional Significance- The symptoms must cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
H. Exclusion- The disturbance is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e.g., medication, alcohol, etc.) or another medical condition (e.g., traumatic brain injury).
Types of trauma:
Big T Trauma refers to significant, often life-threatening events that can lead to severe psychological distress. Examples include natural disasters, serious accidents, military combat, sexual abuse/assault, or the sudden loss of a loved one. These experiences often result in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can manifest as flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the traumatic event.
Little t Trauma or “adverse life experiences”, on the other hand, encompasses less extreme but still impactful experiences that can contribute to emotional pain and suffering. These might include bullying, the divorce of parents, an alcoholic and narcissistic parent or chronic neglect. While they may not seem as severe as big T traumas, little t traumas can accumulate over time, leading to significant emotional difficulties and affecting one’s self-esteem and relational patterns.
Complex Trauma refers to the prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in a context where an individual feels trapped or without a clear means of escape. This form of trauma typically arises from consistent abuse, neglect, or violence during formative years, significantly affecting emotional and psychological development. Individuals with complex trauma may experience a range of symptoms, including difficulties in emotional regulation, relationship challenges, and issues related to self-identity. The impact of complex trauma can be profound and enduring, necessitating specialized therapeutic interventions to support healing and recovery. Individuals who experience complex trauma may struggle with emotional regulation, self-identity, and forming healthy relationships, as their experiences can deeply affect their ability to trust and feel safe. Understanding and addressing complex trauma is crucial in helping individuals regain a sense of safety, connection, and empowerment in their lives.
Intergenerational trauma Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of the effects of trauma from one generation to the next. This phenomenon can occur when individuals experience significant emotional or psychological distress due to historical events, such as war, genocide, or systemic oppression. Such trauma can alter family dynamics, parenting styles, and coping mechanisms, often leading to mental health challenges in subsequent generations.
Understanding intergenerational trauma is crucial for healing, as it highlights the importance of addressing not only individual experiences but also the broader historical and cultural contexts that shape families. By fostering awareness and promoting open dialogue, individuals can begin to break the cycle of trauma and create pathways toward resilience and recovery.
What is dissociation? Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon where individuals disconnect from their thoughts, feelings, or sense of identity. It often arises in response to trauma or extreme stress, serving as a coping mechanism to help individuals manage overwhelming emotions or experiences. While dissociation can manifest in various ways, such as memory gaps, feelings of unreality, or a blurred sense of self, it can disrupt daily functioning and relationships if persistent. Understanding dissociation is essential for those experiencing it, as well as for therapists and support systems, to foster healing and integration of fragmented experiences.
Our Approach
Our therapeutic approach combines several evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE). (EMDR) directly targets distressing memories, allowing individuals to process trauma in a safer environment and facilitating the integration of traumatic experiences, helping clients to achieve a sense of resolution. Somatic Experiencing emphasizes the connection between mind and body, recognizing that trauma often resides physically as well as psychologically. Internal family systems guides individuals in identifying and understanding the various "parts" of their internal psyche, allowing them to access and heal wounded or protective parts with self-compassion and insight. This approach helps individuals address the underlying sources of emotional distress and facilitates a greater sense of inner harmony and resilience.
TRE Trauma Release Exercises (TRE) offer a dynamic and somatic approach to processing trauma by tapping into the body's natural tremor mechanism, which helps release deep-seated tension and stress. Developed as a series of simple, physical movements, TRE encourages the body to involuntarily shake and discharge muscular contractions, promoting relaxation and restoring a sense of balance.
By engaging the body’s innate ability to release stored trauma, individuals can experience relief from symptoms of anxiety, tension, and emotional distress, leading to improved overall wellbeing and resilience.
The application and integration of these various therapies addresses the body’s response to trauma, facilitating a deeper understanding of your experiences and fostering integration and healing.
To address these challenges effectively, combining different therapeutic modalities can create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Integrating these modalities can provide a holistic approach to trauma treatment. For instance, a client may engage in EMDR to address specific traumatic memories, meanwhile, incorporating somatic techniques can help the client connect emotionally and physically to their healing process.
The combination of these approaches ensures that treatment is multifaceted, addressing not only cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma but also somatic experiences. This holistic treatment fosters resilience and promotes a greater sense of well-being in individuals as they navigate their healing journey.
Together, we will work to explore your unique journey, identify the root causes of your dissociation, and develop personalized strategies to reclaim your sense of self and agency.