Causes and effects of psychological trauma
Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or series of events that are distressing, overwhelming, and often beyond an individual’s capacity to cope effectively. These experiences can leave lasting emotional, psychological, and physiological effects, disrupting a person’s sense of safety, well-being, and ability to function in daily life.
Types of Trauma:
- Acute Trauma: This type of trauma results from a single, isolated distressing event. Examples include accidents, natural disasters, assaults, or sudden losses.
- Chronic Trauma: Chronic trauma refers to prolonged exposure to distressing situations or events. It often occurs in the context of ongoing abuse, neglect, or adverse living conditions.
- Complex Trauma: Also known as developmental trauma, this type of trauma arises from repeated experiences of abuse or neglect during critical periods of development, such as childhood. It can lead to pervasive emotional and psychological effects.
- Secondary Trauma: This occurs when individuals are exposed to traumatic experiences indirectly, often as a result of their work or relationships with those directly affected by trauma. Healthcare professionals, first responders, and therapists are examples of individuals who may experience secondary trauma.
Symptoms and Effects:
Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, with individuals experiencing a range of emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms can include:
- Intrusive Thoughts: Distressing memories, nightmares, or flashbacks related to the traumatic event.
- Avoidance: Avoiding situations, places, or people that trigger reminders of the trauma.
- Hyperarousal: Heightened states of alertness, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and exaggerated startle responses.
- Negative Mood: Persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
- Dissociation: A sense of detachment from oneself or one’s surroundings, often used as a coping mechanism.
- Social Withdrawal: Avoiding social interactions or relationships due to fear, mistrust, or discomfort.
- Physical Symptoms: Unexplained physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue.
- Hypervigilance: Constant scanning of the environment for potential threats.
- Negative Self-Concept: Feeling unworthy, powerless, or blaming oneself for the traumatic event.
About Michelle
Hi I’m Michelle Marsh and I am a coach, therapist, Kundalini Yoga teacher and lover of life.
As Mum with ADHD and highly sensitive person who is also a sensation seeker, I understand what it’s like to have your sensitivity running your life instead of aiding it. But I also know from experience that there is light at the end of the tunnel if you are willing to do the work. For myself, I was never afraid of doing the work… I just couldn’t work out WHAT to do! After years of searching, a few burn outs/breakdowns and intense study I became clear on what works and what doesn’t.
But I am not just sharing with you from an experience point of view. I am also teaching from a professional stance as someone who has studied and integrated teachings from biological, psychological and esoteric traditions. These include Creative Therapies, Kundalini Yoga (KRI), Registered Nursing, Clinical Hypnotherapy, Plant Medicine and Natural Living.
I combine my naturally enthusiastic belief in EVERY BODY with my natural empathic talents to provide you with just the right amount of space and direction so you can go deep and resurface anew.
During the time that I am your coach, I will not leave you hanging between sessions as I am available via email to answer questions and provide support as needed.
If you are unsure whether working with me is right for your unique circumstances, please reach out and I will help you to find clarity. I don’t do sales calls so our chat will be very casual and I will refer you in the right direction if I see that Aromanosis is not right for you at this time.
Michelle Marsh
Registered Counsellor (ACA)
Registered Kundalini Yoga Teacher (KRI)
Bsc (Nursing), Grad Dip Creative Therapies, Kundalini Yoga Teacher Cert, Clinical Hypnotherapy Cert