I have always been drawn to trauma in a sense. I don’t mean I like trauma or am fascinated by the medical needs of trauma survivors like my doctor friends who want to literally put people back together. But, I have always had a heart for trauma survivors. Maybe it is the therapeutic personality streak in me that draws me to helping those who have experienced trauma, but I am always moved by trauma survivors and hold hope for the healing and transformation that is available to them on the other side of their pain. Healing that comes with accepting support, processing painful memories and the emotions associated with them and changing the way we care for ourselves and interact with others.

Since trauma changes people, including their brains, their minds and their bodies, it only makes sense that more change—healing change—is necessary for recovery. One of the leading experts on trauma in the field of medicine today, Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD, writes, “They [traumatic experiences] leave traces on our minds and emotions, on our capacity for joy and intimacy, and even on our biology and immune systems” (The Body Keeps The Score). Trauma changes not only how we interact with others, but how we think, feel and act even when by ourselves. At times, it negatively impacts even the way we think about life and the world in general. In order to overcome the negative impact of trauma we must work hard to grow, change and recognize the well of inner strength within us.

This well of strength, despite all of the various forms of trauma we as individuals face, continues to empower us to rebound and repeatedly demonstrate the resilience of our species. Men, women and children keep showing that despite abuse, neglect, poverty, domestic violence, war, murder and dozens of other heinous events we are able to press on and even thrive when we obtain the right support and do the hard work of addressing our trauma histories. The sad side to this is that many of those who do not work on their trauma end up living lives burdened by substance abuse, addiction, isolation, loneliness, fear, worry, anxiety, depression, physical ailments, relationship issues and many other difficult issues.

Trauma does not go away. It may be pushed aside, pushed down, dulled with substances or ignored. However, if not addressed it holds the dark ability to negatively impact virtually every area of life. I will speak more to the beauty and resiliency I have seen emerge for those who have bravely faced and dealt with their trauma in the next blog on this piece. For now, if you are struggling to live your best life because of trauma, please call Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862. A seasoned Orlando psychotherapist will never force you to tell the story of your trauma until you are ready and emotionally stable; however, she will support you and provide the expertise and tools necessary to help stabilize you and decrease negative symptoms such as insomnia, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, worry, guilt and shame until you are ready to process your trauma and move forward. Please don’t wait to begin your path to healing. Call today!