There is no simple cure for trauma. Just as recovery comes in all shapes and sizes, so does trauma. The effects of trauma go beyond what the naked eye sees and live in your core. These effects can cause you to have unfamiliar responses and feelings. Still, it can be easy to dismiss traumatic and distressing events as just part of life. However, working through trauma can be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself in recovery.
How you try to work through trauma is up to you. There are many resources at The Guest House to assist you with your healing journey. We understand that trauma can elicit emotions that you may not be fully able to sift through. This blog post will discuss what trauma is and how it can feel, how to work through tough times in recovery, and how The Guest House offers trauma-focused therapeutic modalities to guide you during this journey.
What Is Trauma, Exactly?
Trauma is the result of an event or set of circumstances that a person experiences as mentally, physically, or emotionally threatening. What sets trauma apart from any typical adverse experience is that it has lasting effects on an individual’s well-being, causing persistent impairment to an individual’s ability to function. Additionally, one of the most important things to know about working through trauma is that trauma is subjective.
Many people have had traumatic experiences, whether they are labeled as such or not. Trauma does not discriminate. A traumatic event can happen to anyone.
Traumatic Events Affect Everyone Differently
An example of a traumatic event is COVID-19. In March 2020, the world as we knew it changed. No person on the planet escaped being impacted in some way by the virus. Many people are still traumatized by this event. No matter how you may have been affected, COVID-19 is an experience that many people ought to work through.
COVID-19 is just an example of how one event can impact all people differently. Some people were triggered when they developed a headache or loss of taste. Others were triggered when the news was on the television. Some people may not have been triggered at all. Regardless of what triggers it, trauma can have a long-lasting impact and it can be difficult to recover after this type of event.
How Do I Know if I Need to Work Through Trauma?
If you have had trouble labeling your own experiences as trauma, this is normal. It can seem overwhelming and daunting to even consider calling an event a traumatic experience. What’s more, it can feel overwhelming to know that there are emotions that you need to work through. Fortunately, this process is manageable with the help of a credentialed therapist, like the ones at The Guest House. It is important to acknowledge that we all have experienced some type of trauma. It is just a matter of how each person processes those feelings and thoughts.
Trauma has no boundaries regarding age, gender, geography, race, or sexual orientation. Traumatic events can touch the lives of adults and children in all socioeconomic areas. Trauma is especially common when there is active substance use or mental health disorders in the home. Hence, it is increasingly important to address and work through trauma.
One of the most common methods of working through trauma is talk therapy, also known as individual counseling. Speaking to a professional therapist can assist you with healthily working through trauma.
Cinema Therapy to Work Through Trauma
Watching your favorite movie can put you in a great mood and is fun for most people. A modality called cinema therapy can be utilized to address many different issues people are struggling with. This type of therapy offers a more enjoyable way of working through trauma.
Cinema therapy is an approach that allows you to see your life from an artistic point of view. You can relate to the characters on the screen and more easily work through trauma from that viewpoint. A movie can offer a different perspective and shed light on your battles.
How Can Art Therapy Heal Trauma?
Art therapy is another modality that can alleviate the effects of trauma. Most people think they cannot participate in art therapy because they are not artists or they lack creativity. However, having creative talent is not a requirement for successfully using art therapy. If you struggle with verbal communication, you may find that colors can tell your story of survival. Through creative expression, you may be able to more easily work through your past traumas.
Having artistic outlets can be desirable if talking about your trauma is overwhelming for you. Additionally, you may not be in the frame of mind to give your trauma a voice just yet. That is okay. This is where art therapy may be just the modality that you need to work through past traumas.
Try Journaling to Work Through Trauma
The effects of trauma can be long-lasting and change the cells of the body. It is easy to dismiss trauma, especially when its effects do not meet the eye. When trauma occurs, it is easy to suppress the emotions, leaving no place for them to go. However, journaling about trauma gives your emotions a place to dwell and allows your words to generate the power to overcome unwanted thoughts and emotions.
Journaling through trauma is a form of expression that allows unwanted emotions to be released from your body. When you organize and express your thoughts, this can give you a healthy forum for healing. You can create a new narrative for your life, one where you get to be the conqueror of your obstacles.
Trauma comes in all shapes and sizes. It does not discriminate against who you are or where you are going. As an alumnus, you may still find it difficult to work through trauma. Know that there are many ways to get to the same destination. All you have to do is want a change. At The Guest House, we understand how difficult it is to work through trauma. This is why we offer several different kinds of treatments for your specific needs. We value who you are and will meet you right where you are at. If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (855) 483-7800.