What Is Psychological Trauma?

In therapy, psychological trauma refers to how our mind and our nervous system respond to something distressing independent of the nature of that event. Trauma is not about the gravity of an event but rather the imprint left on the body and the mind after something unexpected, overwhelming or inescapable happens. Trauma is rarely expressed in words, but often noticed in symptoms despite our many attempts to deny it. The experience of trauma goes beyond abuse, violence, rape and war. Our brain and body respond to many other events as if trauma had happened. So many people live with unresolved consequences of everyday events such as:

·       Divorce, abandonment, grief or loss, toxic or neglectful relationships

·       First-responder and military experiences

·       Prolonged stress, unexpected or dramatic life change

·       Motor vehicle or workplace accidents, physical illness and medical injuries

·       Workplace stress and bullying

·       Witnessing any form of violence as a bystander

·       Stress related to childbirth and pregnancy

·       Migration, chronic poverty and environmental instability

·       Stress of exposure to a family member with significant addictions or/and pervasive mental illness

Trauma is the most disguised and untreated cause of human suffering.

It is common for individuals suffering from underlying trauma-related stress to be misdiagnosed and misunderstood by health care professionals. It is also very common for individuals who have experienced psychological trauma to not receive care for months or years.  

***Important notice: Sara Saniee and associates provide psychotherapy services for dissociation, psychological trauma and developmental trauma. Sara and associates do NOT provide psychological or diagnostic assessments. Please refer to a psychiatrist or specialized psychologist for diagnostic clarification.