Dr. Gabor Mate, an expert and leader in trauma research states that “trauma is not what happens to you, it’s what happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.” His research focuses on the symptoms of trauma and how they impact a person in their everyday life. The focus in therapy becomes, not the trauma itself (event), or the details of the trauma, but the triggers and how these symptoms affect an individual negatively (experience).

When trauma is triggered, we may regress into primal states of fear, react aggressively, or behave outside of our usual behavior. Below are some common symptoms of trauma:

• Depression

• Irritability

• Decreased Concentration

• Numbing

• Insomnia

• Loss of a sense of the future: Hopelessness

• Shame and worthlessness

• Few or no memories

• Nightmares; Flashbacks

• Hypervigilance; Mistrust in others

• Anxiety; Panic attacks

• Chronic pain; headaches

• Substance abuse; eating disorders

• Self-destructive behaviors

In trauma therapy, the counselor will guide the client through identifying their triggers and understanding their responses to those triggers. The therapy will be “experience-centered,” instead of “event-centered. ”

Using the “Triune Brain Model”, the counselor will provide psychoeducation on the impact trauma leaves on the brain and nervous system and how to effectively heal from the trauma. If you have experienced trauma either long-term, or a single event, and are experiencing any of the symptoms above. Reach out today and begin to experience the peace you deserve in your life.