Trauma Therapist in Boston

 

ABOUT Trauma

Trauma can be understood as a frightful or distressing experience that we are unable to cope with using the tools and skills we have. This may include situations or incidents occurring in the past or the current moment. 

The truth is that almost everyone will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives, but not everyone will be impacted in the same way. This is because we each have unique experiences, supports, and histories, so our nervous systems respond uniquely. When we feel overwhelmed by a traumatic experience, it is common to feel powerless and hopeless. 

 

Trauma Symptoms May Also Include Feeling:

  • Frightened

  • Humiliated

  • Rejected

  • Under threat

  • Abandoned

  • In danger

  • Trapped

  • Ashamed

  • Frozen

  • And more

Groups Likely to Experience Trauma

Trauma can be experienced by anyone of any age, at any time, or even years after the event has occurred. Here is an incomplete list of groups that have a higher likelihood of experiencing trauma:

  • First responders, active duty military, and veterans

  • Refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants

  • LGTBQIA+ people

  • Those in prison or who have been in prison

  • Those experiencing poverty or living in food deserts 

  • People experiencing substance use directly or indirectly

Various Types of Trauma

Several types of experiences can be traumatic, and everyone experiences trauma in different and unique ways. While trauma can feel isolating, it is unfortunately experienced quite commonly. Trauma can be acute (a single incident or unexpected event such as a car accident or sudden loss) or chronic (repeated incidents such as domestic violence).

Here are some other commonly experienced types of trauma:

  • Childhood trauma: This may include physical or emotional abuse or neglect as well as witnessing physical or emotional abuse or neglect.

  • Collective trauma: This includes trauma or crises that are experienced by large groups of people simultaneously, including war, natural disasters, or conflict or threat in a community. This doesn’t mean that everyone in the community has the same reaction, simply that a group of people experienced the same event.

  • Complex trauma: This often occurs when someone experiences repeated instances of trauma, typically involving key relationships and typically during childhood.

  • Generational trauma: Generational trauma can be experienced when the effects of collective trauma or trauma within a family system are passed down through generations.

  • Racial trauma: This refers to the psychological impact of racism, stemming from experiencing or witnessing discrimination and repeated, systemic bias. Racial trauma can severely affect your mind and body, resulting in anxiety, depression, physical health issues, PTSD symptoms, and more. 

Trauma Treatment

No matter what kind of trauma you may have experienced or how your experiences have impacted you, there is hope. Working with a licensed therapist can help make sense of, navigate, and grow from what you have experienced. Trauma treatment is highly individualized based on your unique story. Two evidence-based treatments that may be incorporated are:

Cognitive Behavior Treatment (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that has proven to be effective through scientific research for several types of trauma. Studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for conditions besides trauma, like anxiety, chronic pain, addiction, anger problems, and more. Specialized treatments based on CBT principles, including prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy, can help you to gradually face memories, thoughts, and feelings that have been too difficult to approach and to work through them with the support of a professional.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is another evidence-based treatment that can be effective for healing from trauma. Initially developed for the purpose of treating trauma, EMDR is not a talk-based therapy. This structure treatment utilizes movements or cues to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain in order to integrate and reprocess fragmented memories and traumatic experiences.

The therapists at Soultality Center for Psychotherapy in Cambridge, MA, are with you every step of the way to help you heal from trauma through evidence-based treatment.