Comprehending Trauma: Therapeutic Guidance from Field Authorities

Working with trauma demands a deep understanding of its complexities and nuances. Drawing from my own life experience and as a humanistic and relational trainee therapist, I have had a glimpse into the many ways trauma can impact individuals across various walks of life.

Further reading of experts such as Bessel van der Kolk and Terry Real, whose works have significantly contributed to our understanding of trauma and its treatment, has also informed my perspective. Bessel van der Kolk's seminal work, "The Body Keeps the Score," highlights the intricate interplay between the mind and body in the aftermath of trauma (van der Kolk, 2014). Van der Kolk emphasises how traumatic experiences can become lodged within the body, manifesting as physical symptoms, emotional dysregulation, and altered perceptions of reality. This underscores the importance of incorporating somatic approaches in trauma therapy, such as mindfulness and body-oriented techniques, to address the physiological imprints of trauma.

Similarly, Terry Real's Relational Life Therapy approach underscores the significance of interpersonal connections in trauma recovery (Real, 2002). Real emphasises the relational wounds inflicted by trauma and the therapeutic power of secure attachments in fostering healing and resilience. By cultivating safe and empathic therapeutic relationships, therapists can provide clients with the nurturing environment necessary for processing and integrating their traumatic experiences. Reflecting on my own journey through grief and loss following the passing of my father, I've come to recognise the intricate overlap between trauma and bereavement.

The death of a loved one can evoke a myriad of emotions and bodily sensations akin to those experienced in traumatic events, including heightened arousal, intrusive memories, and feelings of disconnection from others (Kaimal et al., 2016; Craig et al., 2020). Acknowledging the traumatic dimensions of grief underscores the importance of employing trauma-informed approaches in supporting individuals through the mourning process.

In navigating my own grief, I've found that the following self-care practices that combine both the emotional and physiological dimensions of trauma can help: journaling, engaging in creative expression, and spending time in nature. These practices align with emerging research highlighting the therapeutic benefits of expressive arts and nature-based interventions in trauma recovery (Kaimal et al., 2016; Craig et al., 2020).

Nevertheless, the journey of healing from trauma is seldom linear and may entail setbacks and challenges along the way. As a relational therapist, I endeavour to provide clients with a compassionate and non-judgmental space wherein they can explore the complexities of their trauma narratives.

Through collaborative exploration, we work towards unravelling the roots of their distress, reframing maladaptive beliefs, and fostering adaptive coping strategies. Central to Relational Life Therapy is the recognition that past relational experiences profoundly shape one's present interpersonal dynamics.

By illuminating the connections between past traumas and current relational patterns, clients can gain insight into their behaviours and cultivate healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. This process of relational repair lays the groundwork for reclaiming agency, building resilience, and forging deeper connections in the aftermath of trauma.

In closing, my therapeutic approach is anchored in the belief that healing from trauma is not only possible but achievable with the right support and interventions. If you or someone you know is grappling with the effects of trauma, I encourage you to seek professional help and explore the therapeutic modalities that resonate with your unique needs and experiences.

References

Craig, A. D., Versloot, J., Goubert, L., Vervoort, T., & Crombez, G. (2020). Perceiving pain in others: Automatic and controlled mechanisms. The Journal of Pain, 11(2), 101-108.

Kaimal, G., Ray, K., & Muniz, J. (2016). Reduction of cortisol levels and participants' responses following art making. Art Therapy, 33(2), 74-80.

Real, T. (2002). How can I get through to you?: Closing the intimacy gap between men and women. Simon and Schuster.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.