If you have experienced a traumatic event in the past, it may feel difficult to move past the experience.
A traumatic event is a shocking, scary, or dangerous experience that can affect someone emotionally and physically. These events can occur in childhood as well as in our adult lives.
Experiences like natural disasters, acts of violence (such as assault, abuse) or witnessing these in childhood, as well as car crashes and other accidents can all be traumatic.
In the immediate aftermath, shock is our brain’s way of protecting us from feeling the full impact of trauma.
I believe trauma is in the eye of the beholder- what is traumatic to you may not be traumatic to another person.
Witnessing an accident, experiencing a traumatic birth, the shock of a loved one's sudden passing, for example, can all create trauma in the body.
When shock wears off, many children and adults may find themselves struggling with any of the following:
-Worrying a lot or feeling very anxious, sad, or fearful -Crying often -Having trouble thinking clearly -Having frightening thoughts or flashbacks, reliving the experience -Feeling angry, resentful, or irritable -Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping -Avoiding places or people that bring back disturbing memories and responses. -Becoming isolated from family and friends
These are all normal responses to trauma and if they linger, that's when we may need to seek some help to release the trauma and help us to move on with our lives. Speaking to friends and family about how you are feeling is important and/or to your G.P.
Many people find it too difficult to speak openly to those close to them about traumatic events and seek counselling as a way of healing the past event.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has been shown in many research studies to be an effective treatment for post traumatic stress issues. EFT is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy.
Using EFT both personally and in my private practice for over 4 years now, I find my clients need fewer counselling sessions as they can continue to use the self-help technique themselves at home.
Combining EFT with breathwork and counselling/psychotherapy is a powerful way to move beyond a traumatic experience so you can live your life free of the negative past experiences.
Knowing that you do not have to be at the mercy of whatever past traumatic event has been holding you back is incredibly liberating.
There is always hope and we do not have to carry our past with us forever. We can move beyond trauma and lead happy, fulfilled lives.
