Healing Starts with Understanding
Trauma is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. It can stem from a single event, repeated exposure to distressing situations, or long-term adverse conditions. Whatever the source, trauma can leave a lasting impact on how we think, feel, and interact with the world.
At Elevation Behavioral Therapy, we specialize in helping individuals process and heal from trauma. Our compassionate and highly experienced therapists provide a safe space where clients feel truly seen and supported. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of trauma—acute, chronic, and complex—to help you better understand your experiences and take the first step toward healing.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when a person experiences a distressing event or series of events that overwhelms their ability to cope. It’s not just about what happens—it’s also about how the individual processes the experience.
Trauma can manifest emotionally, physically, and mentally, influencing:
Feelings of safety and security.
Self-esteem and self-worth.
Relationships and trust in others.
Physical health and stress responses.
Understanding the type of trauma you or a loved one has experienced is a key step toward finding effective treatment and support.
The Three Main Types of Trauma
1. Acute Trauma
Acute trauma stems from a single, intense event. This type of trauma is usually associated with an immediate threat to safety or wellbeing.
Examples of Acute Trauma:
A car accident.
A natural disaster, like a hurricane or earthquake.
A physical assault or robbery.
Signs of Acute Trauma:
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts about the event.
Hypervigilance or feeling "on edge."
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
While the effects of acute trauma can be significant, timely intervention and support can often lead to recovery.
2. Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma results from repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events. Over time, the ongoing nature of this trauma can wear down a person’s ability to cope, leading to long-term emotional and physical consequences.
Examples of Chronic Trauma:
Living in an unsafe or abusive household.
Ongoing bullying or harassment.
Exposure to war or violence in the community.
Signs of Chronic Trauma:
Persistent anxiety or feelings of helplessness.
Physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or chronic pain.
Challenges forming and maintaining relationships.
Chronic trauma often requires more intensive therapeutic interventions, as the prolonged exposure can create deep patterns of fear, distrust, or emotional numbness.
3. Complex Trauma
Complex trauma involves exposure to multiple, interconnected traumatic events, often within a caregiving relationship. This type of trauma is especially impactful because it disrupts foundational experiences of trust, safety, and self-worth.
Examples of Complex Trauma:
Childhood neglect or abuse.
Witnessing domestic violence over a long period.
Being trafficked or living in conditions of sustained oppression.
Signs of Complex Trauma:
Difficulty regulating emotions, leading to intense mood swings.
Dissociation or feeling disconnected from reality.
Low self-esteem or a persistent sense of shame.
Difficulty trusting others, even in safe situations.
Complex trauma can have profound effects on an individual’s mental health, relationships, and worldview. Healing often involves rebuilding a sense of safety and trust, both in oneself and in others.
How Trauma Therapy Can Help
Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey, but it doesn’t have to be taken alone. At Elevation Behavioral Therapy, our therapists are extensively trained in trauma-informed approaches, providing compassionate and knowledgeable care to help clients feel supported every step of the way.
Our Approach:
Personalized Treatment Plans: Every trauma experience is unique, and our therapists tailor interventions to meet your specific needs.
Specialized Therapies: We offer evidence-based treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is highly effective for processing and resolving trauma. Curious about EMDR? Learn more about EMDR here.
Safe, Nonjudgmental Space: Healing starts with feeling seen and understood. Our therapists provide an environment where you can share your experiences without fear.
Why Choose Elevation Behavioral Therapy?
Our team has extensive experience working with trauma in all its forms—acute, chronic, and complex. We understand how trauma can shape your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and we’re here to help you reclaim your life.
In addition to trauma therapy, we also offer:
Support for Depression and Anxiety: Many trauma survivors experience co-occurring mental health challenges.
Relationship and Family Therapy: Trauma often impacts those closest to us, and we help families navigate these challenges together.
Child and Teen Therapy: Early intervention can make a world of difference for younger clients processing trauma.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Acknowledging the impact of trauma is a courageous step. Whether you’re grappling with acute trauma from a recent event or untangling the effects of complex trauma, we’re here to help you navigate the path forward.
We offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and how we can support you through trauma therapy. Please feel free to email us at support@elevationbehavioraltherapy.com or call/text us at (720) 295-6566 if you have questions or concerns. You may also book at the link here.
Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to us today to start your journey toward a brighter, more fulfilling future.
Comments