"Despite the human capacity to survive and adapt, traumatic experiences can alter people’s psychological, biological, and social equilibrium to such a degree that the memory of one particular event comes to taint all other experiences, spoiling appreciation of the present."
- Bessel van der Kolk
Trauma is a ‘normal’ reaction to frightening events. It can be caused by witnessing or experiencing extremely distressing or potentially life-threatening events. When it becomes debilitating affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.
As a dedicated trauma therapist in Erina, New South Wales, I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to help individuals work through the complex and often overwhelming effects of past traumatic experiences. Having faced my own journey of healing from childhood abuse, I understand firsthand the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on a person’s relationships, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. With advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), I support my clients as they explore the connections between past trauma and current challenges, guiding them towards a more positive, fulfilling life.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma involves experiencing, witnessing or even hearing about something that appears overwhelming, and/or is life threatening to self or others. It challenges our sense of trust and safety and our ability to survive. It may be a one-off, single incident—something that happens during war, bushfire, or other catastrophic events. It might be an accident, a sexual/physical assault, rape, a medical diagnosis/intervention, or severe illness/hospitalisation. It might also be prolonged suffering at the hands of others, and this can happen at any age, particularly in childhood.
Addressing Attachment Trauma
Trauma not related to a single event, known as attachment or relational trauma, is more common and yet less recognised than single-incident trauma. Humans are wired for connection. Relationships with others can hold the most potential to both heal and hurt us. Attachment trauma can arise from something like being left alone too often, being given too much responsibility, or from having a parent, who is unwell or unable to respond to us in some way, perhaps drug affected or alcoholic. Being bullied, criticised, emotional neglect, and deprivation can contribute to a less resilient person. Witnessing others being abused or being abused verbally or physically is also traumatic.
How secure our childhood was can also impact our adult bonding patterns; those with ‘secure’ attachment in the early years are more resilient to the trials and tribulations that life throws up. Insecure attachment can lead to children and adults who are anxious and avoidant of relationships with others, as seen frequently in couples therapy.
Finding a Path to Healing With Trauma Therapy
Trauma is different for us all. It may come from our childhood, or as an adult, it may be bereavement, pressure causing anxiety and panic, bullying, accidents, unkindness, and isolation. Whatever the cause, we can become hyper-aroused—constantly alert, in flight, fight, freeze mode. Or numb, deadened, and depressed, or overly compliant and submissive. These normal, natural responses to trauma can bring feelings of shame, despair, and self-loathing. We may turn to shutting everyone out, substance abuse, self-injury, or eating disorders. However, change is possible.
The answer is specialised therapy for trauma. At Christina Taylor Therapy, I use a trauma-informed approach, developed through training, research, and experience, which is adapted to each individual. I understand, through personal experience, the importance of connection, safety, and awareness of present reality. For some, it is important to take things gently and slowly, while others may want to process specific traumatic events right away. With some forms of therapy for trauma, it is not necessary to retell a story in detail. There are other ways to work, to allow you and your nervous system to realise that the trauma is in the past and that life can even have the potential to be enjoyable.