Frequently Asked Questions

Trauma is a psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. It can result from a single event or prolonged exposure to stressful situations. Trauma can result from any situation that overwhelms our innate capacity. “Trauma is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you” – Gabor Mate.   

You might be struggling with trauma if you notice some of these common signs: 

• Flashbacks or nightmares about a distressing event 

• Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the trauma 

• Feeling on edge, jumpy, or easily startled 

• Mood swings, irritability, or unexplained anger 

• Trouble sleeping or concentrating 

• Feeling numb, spaced out, or disconnected from others 

• Physical symptoms like headaches or stomach issues 

• Changes in your daily life, work, or relationships 

If you’re experiencing these symptoms of trauma, it’s important to reach out for professional help. Remember, everyone’s experience with trauma is different, and healing is possible with the right support. 

Yes, trauma can be effectively treated. Various evidence-based therapies and interventions can help individuals recover and regain wellness. Kells Psychology specializes in Trauma Recovery and all of our psychologists have extensive training in this area. Some of the effective treatment methods include:   

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)  

• Exposure Therapy  

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)  

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)  

• Mindfulness-based therapies  

• Education based programs  

While self-help strategies can be beneficial, professional help is often crucial for effective trauma recovery. A trained therapist can provide tailored strategies and support throughout your healing journey. 

Recovery time varies for each individual. It depends on factors such as the nature of the trauma, personal resilience, support systems, and the chosen treatment approach. Some people may see improvements in a few months, while others may need longer-term support. EMDR as a treatment method may expedite the healing process.  

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapy technique designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences. 

How EMDR works: 

• You focus on a distressing memory while following a therapist-guided bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements or tapping.  

• This process helps your brain reprocess the traumatic memory, reducing its emotional impact. 

• Over multiple sessions, the memory becomes less distressing and easier to manage. 

Key points about EMDR: 

• It can be effective for various issues, including PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, phobias, and depression. 

• EMDR can be used with all ages  

• The therapy doesn’t require detailed discussion of the trauma. 

• Sessions usually last 60-90 minutes. 

• Results can often be seen in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy. 

EMDR is based on the idea that our minds can heal from psychological trauma much like our bodies recover from physical injuries. It’s always conducted by a trained professional in a safe, controlled environment. 

While it may seem unusual at first, EMDR is a well-researched and widely accepted treatment for trauma and other distressing life experiences. 

Yes, this can be common. Prior to processing trauma, a common coping strategy is avoidance or numbing the discomfort. As you process, these strategies decrease, which can temporarily lead to increased distress. This is often a sign that healing is taking place. Always communicate these feelings with your therapist. There are ways to help support you through these feelings or provide more strategies to manage the discomfort.  

It can be very hard to watch a loved one struggle. You can support a loved one by:  

• Listening without judgment  

• Encouraging them to seek professional help  

• Being patient with their recovery process  

• Learning about trauma and its effects  

• Taking care of your own mental health 

Consider joining our one-day RESET: Tools for Trauma Recovery workshop to learn about the impacts of trauma and strategies to cope with the symptoms.

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s a natural response to an abnormal situation, but one that persists and interferes with daily life. 

Key aspects of PTSD: 

• Triggered by traumatic experiences such as accidents, injuries, assault, abuse, combat, or natural disasters 

• Can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background 

Common symptoms include: 

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event 

• Nightmares related to the trauma 

• Avoiding reminders of the traumatic experience 

• Negative changes in thoughts and mood 

• Feeling constantly on guard or easily startled 

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating 

• Irritability or angry outbursts 

It’s important to note that experiencing some of these symptoms after a traumatic event is normal. However, if symptoms persist for more than a month and significantly impact your daily life, it may be PTSD. 

The good news is that PTSD is treatable. With proper support and evidence-based therapies, many people recover and lead fulfilling lives. If you think you might be experiencing PTSD, reaching out to a mental health professional is an important first step towards healing. 

Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. Building resilience is often a key component of trauma recovery, helping individuals develop coping strategies and a more positive outlook.  

Remember, recovery is possible. If you’re struggling with trauma, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.