Their response to the past event is troubling to them, and interferes with their enjoyment of their lives and relationships. Many people change their normal routine in order to avoid triggers to these unpleasant thoughts and feelings. They might find themselves having intrusive thoughts about the event, avoiding anything that might remind them of the event, or having emotional reactions to current situations that are out of proportion to the trigger. People often feel unable to “get over” or move past the experience. Regardless of the flavor or intensity of the trauma there are frequently similarities in how the individual reacts to the event. Sometimes the client doesn’t actually think of the experience as traumatic but it affects him or her as a traumatic event. For others, it’s what we refer to as a “little t” traumas, such as a car accident, being bullied in school, or a divorce. For some, it’s what we in the therapy biz call “big T” traumas, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in childhood or recent life threatening injury.
Many of the people who seek treatment with me have a history of trauma.
