Trauma Counseling Services

Understanding Trauma: Types and Paths to Healing

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or life-threatening event. While many people experience challenges throughout life, trauma occurs when an event overwhelms our ability to cope, leaving lasting emotional, psychological, or even physical effects.

At our practice, we see firsthand how trauma can shape someone’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can affect relationships, mental health, and even physical well-being—but it’s important to remember: healing is possible.

What Is Trauma?

Trauma is not just about what happened to you, but how your mind and body responded to the event. Two people may experience the same event, but their reactions can be very different depending on factors like past experiences, support systems, and resilience¹.

Common symptoms of trauma include:

• Flashbacks or intrusive memories

• Avoidance of reminders of the event

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Heightened startle response or feeling “on edge”

• Emotional numbness or detachment

• Intense feelings of guilt, shame, or anger²

  
  

Types of Trauma

Trauma can take many forms. Understanding the different types can help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek appropriate support.

1. Acute Trauma

Acute trauma results from a single distressing event—such as a serious accident, natural disaster, assault, or sudden loss. The event is intense and often overwhelming, but it is limited to one occurrence³.

2. Chronic Trauma

Chronic trauma happens when a person experiences repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events. This may include ongoing abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual), domestic violence, long-term bullying, or living in a war zone³.

3. Complex Trauma

Complex trauma develops from exposure to multiple traumatic events, often beginning in childhood. It may involve neglect, abuse, or exposure to unsafe environments. This type of trauma can deeply impact emotional regulation, relationships, and a person’s overall sense of self¹.

4. Secondary or Vicarious Trauma

Sometimes, trauma doesn’t come from direct experience. People such as healthcare workers, first responders, or therapists may develop trauma symptoms from repeatedly hearing about or witnessing the suffering of others².

5. Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma refers to exposure to traumatic events during childhood, especially when a caregiver fails to provide safety, stability, or nurturing. It can have lasting effects on brain development, attachment, and emotional regulation¹.

The Link Between Trauma and Substance Use

Many people turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with overwhelming trauma symptoms. Unfortunately, this often leads to co-occurring substance use and trauma-related disorders. Treating both together is essential for long-term healing².

Healing from Trauma

While trauma can leave lasting scars, recovery is possible with the right support. Evidence-based treatments such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic therapies can help individuals process and heal from trauma.

At our practice, we provide compassionate counseling that acknowledges the impact of trauma while helping clients regain a sense of safety, control, and hope.

You’re Not Alone. Trauma Counseling Services

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of trauma, know that help is available. You don’t have to carry the weight of the past by yourself. With time, support, and the right tools, healing is not only possible—it’s within reach.

Contact us today to learn more about our trauma counseling services.

Sources

1. National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Types of Trauma. https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types ↩ ↩² ↩³

2. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., DSM-5). ↩ ↩² ↩³

3. American Psychological Association. (2019). Trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma ↩ ↩²