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From Trauma to Triumph: How Clinical Psychology Can Help You?

Aug 28, 2023

Clinical Psychology

From Trauma to Triumph: How Clinical Psychology Can Help You? From Trauma to Triumph: How Clinical Psychology Can Help You?

Traumatic events are common and many people can develop mental health issue as a result a result of these events. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 61% of men and 51% of women experience at least one such event in their lifetime. Traumatic events can have a long-term impact on your physical, psychological, and emotional health.

Unsolved emotional trauma can have negative consequences such as suicidal thouhts and behaviour, depression, and PTSD. However, it is possible to overcome the effects with professional help. Therapy sessions with a clinical psychologist can provide you coping skills and peace of mind to enhance your overall well-being.

This blog explores how clinical psychology can guide individuals that are scarred by a traumatic experience on their life’s journey and help them heal, grow, and thrive.

Understanding Trauma

Any event that makes you feel physically threatened or grievously emotionally disturbed is trauma. Although everyone's reaction. If different trauma. You can experience trauma in various forms and negatively impact your physical, emotional, psychological, or spiritual well-being. Some of the events in your life that can cause trauma include

  • Severe injury
  • Serious ailment
  • Death of a loved one
  • Divorce or separation Physical 
  • Physical assault
  • Domestic abuse
  • Witnessing extreme violence
  • Imprisonment
  • Natural disasters
  • Acts of terrorism
  • War or civil unrest

In most cases, there may be few outward signs that expose the emotional turmoil that people undergo after a post-trauma. The earliest reactions to trauma are shock and denial. However, your responses to traumatic stress may vary once you progress beyond the initial shock stage. You may:

  • Relive the traumatic event constantly
  • Feel intense fear of it reoccurring
  • Have nightmares
  • Avoid any reminders of the event
  • Withdraw from people and activities
  • Display behavioral changes such as irritability, severe mood swings, anger, anxiety, and depression
  • Have difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Experience stress, nausea, and headaches or feel further deterioration in already existing medical conditions

Role of Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology studies aspects of an individual’s emotional, behavioral, and social life and well-being. Clinical psychologists help individuals with mental health issues to overcome their discomfort and make adjustments with the help of a range of assessment and intervention methods.

Clinical Psychologist can use therapeutic approaches for their sessions. These are:

  • Behavioral Approach: It specifically addresses your thought and behavior patterns
  • Psychodynamic Approach: It addresses the root cause of your mental stress

Building a therapeutic relationship between therapist and client is essential to the therapeutic relationship treatment process. It establishes feelings of confidence, honesty, and reassurance that allow you to feel safe and comfortable enough to work toward you goals.

EmoTrauma: Types & Treatment

Oh, what types of emotional trauma are recognized? How common are they and how are they best treated?

Emotional trauma can manifest in various forms, including but not limited to:

  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

    Triggered by a traumatic event, leading to intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal.

  2. Complex Trauma:

    Often stemming from prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse or neglect, resulting in difficulties in emotional regulation and interpersonal relationships.

  3. Acute Stress Disorder:

    Similar to PTSD but with a shorter duration, typically lasting up to a month after a traumatic event.

  4. Adjustment Disorder:

    Caused by significant life changes or stressors, resulting in emotional and behavioral disturbances.

The prevalence of emotional trauma varies among individuals and populations. It is relatively common, with many people experiencing traumatic events at some point in their lives. The best treatment for emotional trauma depends on individual circumstances. It often involves a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and medication, particularly for PTSD or related conditions. Supportive social networks and self-care practices can also play a crucial role in the healing process.

It's essential for individuals to seek professional help to receive personalized and effective treatment.

Therapeutic Techniques for Trauma Recovery

Several therapeutic techniques are available to help patients recover from trauma. Let’s learn about some of the therapies.

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

    This technique involves identifying the thought patterns and learning new skills to reframe them. It teaches you to manage your emotional and behavioral symptoms better. While monitoring your progress, the therapist offers solutions to problems and highlights your achievements. The therapy usually lasts 12 to 16 weeks.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

    In this technique, you recall and relive the trauma in a therapeutic setting. It desensitizes you to the memory of the event. It uses rhythmic bilateral stimulation that enables you to release the pent-up emotions related to the trauma.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    DBT is a talk therapy that helps you develop healthy ways to combat stress, manage emotions, and improve interpersonal relationships.

Other Therapeutic Modalities

  • Psychodynamic Therapy

    It focuses on identifying and resolving unconscious processes manifested in your present behavior to give you a deeper insight into how you feel and think

  • Mindful-Based Interventions

    These interventions have their roots in ancient Buddhist meditation practices such as Vipassana and Zen. this type of interventions works to increase your awareness of your physical, mental, and emotional state in the present moment.

How to Heal from Trauma

If not addressed the after-effects of traumata may last a lifetime. However, many effective tools can help you to heal. In physiotherapy learn effective skills to deal with trauma, find peace within yourself, and move ahead with renewed confidence. While the most important step toward healing is seeking therapy from a trauma-informed therapist, the other significant steps are:

  • Practice Self-Care

    Taking out time and doing things for yourself are important parts of healing. You may pursue a hobby that is exciting and enjoyable for you or spend more time pampering yourself.

  • Physical Exercise

    Doing exercises ensure that you are physically better equipped to handle stress. Some exercises like yoga and tai-chi impact both your mind and body. Also, during physical exercises, your body releases the feel-good chemical endorphin.

  • Be Creative

    Besides having fun doing such activities, you also get a sense of satisfaction. You recover faster when you engage your brain in literary or creative pursuits.

  • Meditate

    Meditation increases self-awareness and focuses on the present. It helps build stress-management skills and stops negative thoughts and emotions from overpowering your personality.

Michigan Neurology Associates & PC: Your Trusted Center for Neuroscience-Based Conditions

If you are looking for a multispecialty neuroscience medical clinic near you, your search ends with us. At Michigan Neurology Associates & Pain Consultants, our team of board-certified and experienced physicians, psychologist, therapist including Thomas Giancarlo, Christine D. LiffBradley Jones annd many more has offered personalized treatment plans for a wide range of services for over three decades. Our team of physicians "Christine Liff Psychologist", 

For more information on our services, request an appointment with us today.

From Trauma to Triumph: How Clinical Psychology Can Help You
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