Understanding Trauma: From Life Experiences to Healing
By Angela Chadwick Psychology – Trauma Psychologist in Wollongong & Online Across Australia
Published: 3 May
Trauma can profoundly impact your mental, emotional, and physical health, but with the right healing strategies and support, recovery is possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore what trauma is, its diverse manifestations, and how EMDR therapy and trauma-informed care can support your healing journey. Learn about these services and how we can help at Angela Chadwick Psychology.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope, leading to long-lasting psychological and physical effects. These experiences can vary significantly, from major events like accidents, combat, or natural disasters, to more subtle, cumulative stressors. Trauma is deeply personal, and its impact is shaped by factors like past experiences, emotional resilience, and support systems.
The Spectrum of Traumatic Experiences
Trauma manifests in different ways, ranging in severity. Understanding the various types of trauma is vital for healing:
“Big T” Trauma: Sudden, life-altering events like car accidents, sexual assault, natural disasters, violent crimes, and sudden bereavement.
“Little t” Trauma: Repeated or ongoing stressors, such as bullying, emotional neglect, medical trauma, or chronic stress.
Birth Trauma: Trauma associated with childbirth due to complications, emergency interventions, or a sense of lack of control.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence in childhood, increasing future mental health risks.
Understanding these categories helps us tailor the right therapeutic approach for your healing.
Signs of Unresolved Trauma
Trauma can present itself in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms:
Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, emotional numbness, and difficulty experiencing joy.
Behavioral Symptoms: Avoidance, social withdrawal, risky behaviors, or reliance on substances to cope.
Cognitive Symptoms: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, intrusive thoughts, or nightmares.
Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, or increased heart rate.
These symptoms are the nervous system’s defense mechanisms but can hinder overall well-being and emotional safety.
PTSD and Complex PTSD (cPTSD): When Trauma Becomes a Disorder
For some, unresolved trauma can develop into diagnosable conditions, such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD typically follows a specific traumatic event and is marked by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, and hyperarousal lasting longer than a month.
Complex PTSD (cPTSD): cPTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma, often in childhood. It includes PTSD symptoms plus emotional dysregulation, a negative self-image, and issues with trust and relationships.
Recognizing the signs of PTSD and cPTSD is crucial for early intervention and appropriate treatment.
Healing from Trauma: There Is Hope
Healing from trauma is possible, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Angela Chadwick Psychology, we specialize in trauma-informed care, offering EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR is a proven evidence-based approach that helps individuals process traumatic memories without having to relive every detail. This approach is especially helpful for those who struggle to discuss their trauma or find traditional therapies less effective.
Accessing Trauma Support: Therapy Options
Whether you're seeking in-person therapy in Wollongong or secure online therapy across Australia, we offer a range of services to meet your needs:
EMDR therapy and trauma-focused care
Expertise in treating PTSD, complex trauma, childhood trauma, and more
Personalized treatment plans that align with your goals and nervous system regulation
At Angela Chadwick Psychology, we are committed to providing compassionate and holistic care to support your trauma recovery journey.
Start Your Trauma Recovery Today
If you're ready to begin your healing journey, contact Angela Chadwick Psychology today. Whether you need EMDR therapy in Wollongong or online trauma therapy anywhere in Australia, we are here to help you reclaim your emotional well-being.