Living with trauma
Firstly, we can’t ever really forget trauma, like grief, the loss is not forgotten. When we experience trauma or an adverse event, the way we feel, think and even down to the level of our physiology dramatically changes. The way we process, survive, and live with this trauma depends on our emotional structuring, our beliefs and values and our physiological propensity.
To live with trauma, in almost a peaceful coexistence, is generally preferred over a life living with an ongoing battle of symptoms and triggers. This journey will take time, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and a return to one’s sense of mastery in the world. Trauma disconnects. You no longer trust yourself and the world you live your life within. All your relationships change, and you no longer feel the same within yourself.
Ways to process and deal with trauma
All our emotional, mental, and physiological ways of interacting with ourselves and the world will need our attention and healing. It can’t be done all at once, generally you deal and heal as the issues and problems arise. At different times counselling/talk therapy works well, sometimes emotional processing is needed, and other times somatic nervous system work is the key. All of these are important, none alone will be the sole answer.
Three ways to work and process trauma
Try talk therapy: Research the different types of therapies and choose the one that makes the most sense to you, you may need to try a few before you find the right fit of person and style, but like shoes they not only need to be the right size but also comfortable.
Try emotional processing: in the forms of journaling, self-care, meditation, yoga, dance, art, basically anything that will encourage emotional expression in a way that feels safe.
Try somatic (body) therapy: Research what therapists have to offer and choose what makes the most sense to you, dedicate time to the healing, sometimes it may be necessary to address physical ailments, I highly recommend a functional medical physician or integrative doctor.
Giselle Lamberth
Embodiment Institute Somatic Healing Programs
Clinical Social Worker, Somatic Psychotherapist