The definition of psychological trauma is that event that generates an emotional impact, causing a mark, which may be permanent, in the person's subconscious. Interestingly, impacts can produce stressors in two important areas of the brain; the hippocampus and the amygdala. The hippocampus is in charge of processing memory and the amygdala is in charge of processing emotions and is also in charge of identifying possible dangers in which it sends the signal to the body to prepare to flee. For example, chronic abuse and repetitive experiences of traumatic events are some of the different ways in which they can create an impact at the neurobiological level. That is, traumatic experiences can sensitize the amygdala to the presence of danger, which is why any event, even a very small one, could trigger a dramatic reaction.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized by overwhelming panic attacks. These attacks were triggered by the amygdala's reaction to a stimulus that reminded us of the original trauma. Therefore, the neurobiology of trauma involves these two areas of the brain that are responsible for memory and emotional reaction.

Now that we know the basics of how psychological trauma works in our brain, we can understand that these experiences can change brain structures, thus compromising people's cognitive, bodily, and emotional functions. The literature describes that more than half of adults in the United States have been exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lives. Child abuse is an example of a traumatic event and is considered today a large-scale public health problem. Another example of this can be typical natural disasters such as: earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, among others. Although there are some people who can recover quickly from these events, there is another group of people who suffer significantly long-term effects. However, the most traumatic of natural disasters is when it involves physical damage, fear of death, death of someone loved, and loss of property.

It would take a lot of paper and pencil to list the different ways to expose yourself to psychological trauma. Other examples, also common, are rape and sexual assault, physical assault such as robbery, shootings, attacks with knives and other knives, car, plane, train and boat accidents, people who go to war, those who witness a homicide and/or suicide, and some life-threatening medical condition. These are some of the events that could contribute to the creation of psychological trauma.

How can psychological trauma be treated? Once the history of psychological trauma and its symptoms are determined, the person can begin specialized trauma therapy. It is important to mention that, although the tools and interventions may be the same, each person should have a specialized structure in their case. The literature describes how the following examples can help treatment and should be used by your therapist:

  • An approach that is respectful, positive and compassionate that promotes support and validation for the person who comes to seek help
  • Education and teaching of what psychological trauma is and its symptoms
  • The use of some form of stress reduction and self-regulation such as Mindfulness (a meditation technique that consists of being in the present moment and using compassion and acceptance)
  • The use of cognitive interventions that can help address harmful thoughts, beliefs, assumptions and perceptions about the definition of psychological trauma
  • An environment of trust where the person has the opportunity to develop a coherent narrative about the traumatic event

Ultimately, the important thing is to know and understand that help exists for all those who have been victims of psychological trauma. Being able to process what happened with a specialist is the most important thing you can do to begin the journey and heal emotional wounds. Psychological trauma has short-term consequences, but also long-term ones. As mentioned previously, one of the consequences is at the level of neurology and it is up to us to take the first step to acquire the possibility of rescue. Human beings have the ability to organize and manage different solutions for self-rescue from trauma; We simply need to move away from getting mentally stuck in the experience. For the vast majority this is not easy, which is why they should go to a specialist who can help them. Apart from the characteristics mentioned in the list above, some of the different types of psychological therapy are: EMDR (the therapist will help the person access the memory of the traumatic moment and work on the rest as a team), cognitive therapy, and mindfulness.

Whichever you decide to choose, make sure it is the best one for you and the one you feel most comfortable with. This is your path and no one should impose on you what is best for you.

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Valeria Lindenfeld is a psychotherapist and her specialty is family and couples therapy. His clinical practice is guided by multiculturalism and social justice. A graduate of Nova University in Florida and currently a doctoral student in family therapy, Valeria resides in California where she works as a psychotherapist in private practice.

He is a lover of good reading and good cooking.

Instagram account: @valerialindenfeldmft