Trauma is the body’s response to an emotionally charged event that can have severe effects on an individuals’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. This occurs in response to an external stressor, which can vary in terms of its severity – something that one person may be able to brush off, could be severely traumatic for another.

People who have undergone a trauma may find themselves reliving the event – even through dreams. They may find themselves unable to move past that point in their lives, and function effectively because of it. In this case, online trauma counselling is recommended. Trauma can bring with it physical consequences like insomnia, loss of appetite and/or headaches; as well as emotional consequences like feelings of anger or fear.

Online trauma counselling attempts to assist the client in coming to terms with the aftermath of the trauma – the way it made the client feel, emotions associated with it, and the like.

Trauma may include anything from childhood physical and/or sexual abuse, adulthood assault or sexual assault, loss of a loved one, divorce, infidelity, separation, bullying, abusive parenting to many seemingly less important but equally distressing events (depending on how they are interpreted by the individual).

While seemingly “forgotten” these memories survive in the format of stored emotional layers that can result in other abnormal thoughts or behaviours into your present relationships. Trauma (including PTSD/CPTSD) is recognised as one of the biggest contributing factors in addiction, depression, anxiety and a wide range of conditions or behaviours that can affect your wellbeing.

• PTSD and CPTSD:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) involves specific symptoms following trauma exposure including intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and heightened reactivity.
  • Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) develops from prolonged, repeated trauma, especially during vulnerable developmental periods. It includes PTSD symptoms plus difficulties with emotional regulation, negative self-perception, and relationship challenges.
  • Both conditions can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life but respond well to appropriate therapeutic interventions

Types of trauma:

• Acute trauma: Results from a single incident
• Chronic trauma: Repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events
• Complex trauma: Exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature
• Developmental trauma: Occurs during childhood development
• Vicarious/secondary trauma: Experienced by witnessing others’ suffering

How trauma affects people:

• Creates physiological changes in the brain and nervous system
• Triggers the body’s “fight, flight, freeze” response
• Can lead to hypervigilance or emotional numbing
• May cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
• Often disrupts one’s sense of safety and security
• Can affect memory processing and integration

With appropriate support and interventions, people can heal from trauma and develop resilience, though the process is deeply personal and varies considerably between individuals.