Have you been battling anxiety and depression for years, feeling like you're on a never-ending treadmill with little progress? It’s possible that there might be deeper layers of trauma influencing your mental health, even if they aren’t immediately visible.
For over fifteen years, I took a step back from the therapy field. My time away was shaped by the challenges of raising my children and a discouraging experience with a supervisor that led me to question my place in the profession. After a period of self-reflection, training, and personal growth, I chose to return to therapy—only to discover a landscape that had evolved significantly. Among the many revelations, the most profound was a deeper understanding of trauma and its widespread impact.
When I first entered the field, I was well-versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Despite my comprehensive training, I often found myself feeling drained and disheartened. Many of my clients struggled with the tasks I assigned and showed minimal progress, leading me to question my methods and my effectiveness as a therapist.
Looking back, I realize now that many of those clients were grappling with the impact of unresolved trauma. Their symptoms—persistent anxiety, depression, self-doubt, physical tension, and moments of dissociation—were often manifestations of trauma. At that time, my understanding of trauma was limited to the most extreme and overt cases. I didn’t fully grasp that trauma could also be more subtle, affecting individuals in ways that weren’t immediately recognizable.
Trauma isn’t just about dramatic or catastrophic events; it often arises from a lack of safety, a feeling of helplessness, or a cumulative effect of minor yet impactful experiences. It’s not always apparent or dramatic; sometimes, it subtly influences our emotions and behaviors without us realizing it.
So, what exactly is trauma? It’s not just about the intensity of an event but how it affects your sense of safety, control, and self. Trauma can manifest through enduring feelings of vulnerability and helplessness, even if the events causing them don’t seem catastrophic by conventional standards.
If you’ve been struggling despite trying various therapies, medications, and self-help strategies, it might be time to consider whether you’ve fully addressed the core of your trauma. Sometimes, we overlook or downplay our own experiences, thinking they’re not significant enough to warrant deeper exploration. However, unresolved trauma can quietly impact our daily lives in ways we might not immediately connect to our struggles.
In conclusion, recognizing and understanding the nuanced nature of trauma is essential for effective therapy and self-compassion. By acknowledging that trauma can have a subtle yet significant effect on our mental health, we can approach healing with a fresh perspective, giving attention and care to even the less obvious sources of trauma. If you’re ready to explore these deeper layers and work towards genuine healing, consider reaching out for support. Your journey towards understanding and healing your trauma could be the key to overcoming the hurdles you’ve been facing.
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