Mental Health
Due to the nature of complex trauma and the attachment disruptions that may have occurred in childhood- it is important for survivors of trauma to learn how to build trustworthy and healthy relationships
Complex trauma is a term used to describe multiple traumatic experiences, typically of an interpersonal nature, occurring in childhood.
Because of the tender age of the traumatic experience(s) children’s ability to connect with others, learn and master developmental skills, and manage a range of emotions are many times adversely impacted.
After enduring multiple experiences that impact how traumatized children view the world and those around them the human brain creates connections to warn of potential dangers. These associations are called triggers and they are the brain’s way of sending a warning to remind the person that something similar happened in the past and to be alert. To create safety, the body's sympatric nervous system is engaged and prepares the person for a flight, flight, or freeze response. Although some people are aware of specific triggers –they are typically subconscious and can be internal (thoughts or feelings) or external (sounds, events, smells).
In the therapeutic process a goal is to teach clients how to identify triggers – or associations they made in order to establish healthy coping strategies.
It is equally important for the therapist to assist clients in establishing coping techniques when the brain and body are triggered- regardless of if the association can be identified. Once a feeling of safety has been identified- (you are safe now, and this reminder is from old stuff) The survivor can then implement new behavior patterns from a place of feeling safe. Mindfulness practices, yoga, and breathing exercises help to calm the body and regulate the nervous system.
Due to the nature of complex trauma and the attachment disruptions that may have occurred in childhood- it is important for survivors of trauma to learn how to build trustworthy and healthy relationships, which give a foundation for safety to assist them in managing difficult emotions, as well as learn new skills that will help in the journey toward healing.
