Therapy for Abuse / Trauma

Emotional and psychological trauma is caused by traumatic events that shatter your sense of security, making you feel as though you are helpless in a frightening and dangerous world. It can leave someone with disturbing memories and anxiety that seems to haunt their every movement in life. It can also cause someone to feel numb and unable to trust others. A traumatic experience can involve a threat to your life or safety, but it can be any situation where you feel overwhelmed and afraid, whether it involves physical harm or emotional harm. The more helpless and frightened you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatised.

Some symptoms of psychological trauma include:

  • Shock or denial
  • Confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • Anger, mood swings
  • Fear and anxiety
  • Guilt, shame or self-blame
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • Feeling disconnected or numb

Physical symptoms:

  • Insomnia
  • Persistent nightmares
  • Exhaustion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Racing heartbeat
  • Agitation or anxiousness
  • Bodily aches / muscle tension

Tips to trauma recovery:

  1. Get moving – exercise for 30 minutes at least 5 days a week. This will calm your body by releasing endorphins and calm your mind by rhythmic engagement. If you can, practice mindful meditation while you walk or run.
  2. Don’t withdraw from others – Reach out to your friends and family or join a support group. You don’t need to speak about what happened to you, but you will gain comfort from being with people who care about you or understand what you’re experiencing.
  3. Take care of your body – avoid alcohol and drugs as they will worsen your trauma symptoms and increase feelings of depression, and anxiety.
  4. Eat a healthy diet, avoid sugar where possible, and eat plenty of omega-3 fat, to give your mood a boost.
  5. Get support – Speak to your G.P. or find a psychotherapist or counsellor who you trust.  A psychotherapist or counsellor can help give you the tools you need to recover from trauma and to finally find peace and joy in your life.