Healing from Within: A Holistic Approach to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The world has been waking up to the impact that traumatic experiences have on both the individual and the collective. As we learn to accept the impact of trauma, we also learn our individual ability to heal. As each individual heals, we create a better world. Is that too lofty of an ideal? Let me explain by sharing what trauma and PTSD is and how individual healing can make the world a better place.
Let’s first start by establishing that trauma is part of life. We live in a world that is outside of our individual control, things happen that are out of our control. Trauma isnt’ simply an particular event, it’s how an individual copes, recovers and integrates. If integration doesn’t occur, then the natural sense of resilience is stunted.
In general terms, trauma is an experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, leaving a lasting impact on their psychological, physical and emotional well-being. It disrupts the person's sense of safety, stability, and trust in the world. It can also impact a person’s sense of self and trust in their decision making. Trauma can be broadly categorized into two types: Capital T trauma and small t trauma.
Capital T trauma refers to significant, life-threatening events that are often sudden and shocking in nature. Examples include natural disasters, animal attacks, combat, physical or sexual assault, or witnessing a violent crime. Capital T trauma typically involves a single, identifiable incident that can have a profound and immediate impact on a person's life. If the person is unable to have the natural recovery and integration process then the effects of such trauma can be long-lasting, leading to severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and requiring specialized interventions for recovery.
On the other hand, small t trauma refers to more chronic or cumulative experiences that, while not as dramatic or life-threatening as capital T trauma, still have a significant impact on an individual's well-being. These experiences can include emotional abuse, childhood neglect, chronic stress, bullying, or ongoing interpersonal conflicts. Small t traumas often occur over a prolonged period and may go unnoticed or minimized, yet they can have a cumulative effect on a person's mental and emotional health. They can contribute to difficulties in self-esteem, relationships, and overall functioning.
It's important to recognize that the impact of trauma, whether capital T or small t, is deeply personal and can vary from person to person. Each individual's experience and response to trauma are unique, therapy is focused on facilitating the journey towards recovery and resilience.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex and debilitating condition that can have a profound impact on an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Traditionally, PTSD has been treated with a narrow focus on symptom management and medication. However, as a holistic therapist, I firmly believe in addressing the root causes of trauma and promoting healing from within.
Understanding PTSD: PTSD can occur due to a Capital T or small t event. It manifests as a range of symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. While these symptoms are the mind's way of coping with trauma, if they persist for more than 6 months after an event and they interfering with daily life and overall well-being then the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis is met.
Holistic psychotherapy recognizes that individuals are not merely a sum of their parts but are interconnected beings with physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Treating PTSD holistically involves addressing each of these aspects to foster deep healing and recovery.1. Mind: Cognitive Restructuring and Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used approach for treating PTSD. By challenging negative thought patterns and reframing traumatic experiences, individuals can regain a sense of control over their lives. In addition, other modalities like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and mindfulness-based therapies can help individuals process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
2. Body: Somatic Experiencing and Physical Well-being: Trauma is often stored in the body, leading to physical tension, chronic pain, and a dysregulated nervous system. Somatic Experiencing, a body-centered therapy, focuses on releasing stored trauma through gentle movements, breathwork, and body awareness. Regular exercise, proper nutrition, and restful sleep are also vital for supporting the body's healing process.
3. Emotions: Emotional Release: Expressive arts modalities can provide a safe outlet for exploring and expressing complex emotions associated with trauma. Emotional release techniques such as journaling, deep breathing exercises, and meditation can also help individuals process and release pent-up emotions, leading to emotional balance and resilience..
4. Spirit: Mindfulness and Meaning-Making: The spiritual dimension plays a crucial role in healing from trauma. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce anxiety, and connect with the inner self. Exploring personal values, finding meaning, exploring and confronting guilt, remorse, self blame, moral injury and other spiritual pain can be part of the healing. Integrating the experience and making sense of it, re-orienting to the self and the world and fostering a sense of purpose are essential for rebuilding a sense of identity and post-traumatic growth
Holistic psychotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to treating PTSD by recognizing the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit. By addressing the root causes of trauma and promoting self-care practices that encompass all aspects of well-being, individuals can embark on a transformative healing journey. Remember, healing takes time and patience, but with a holistic approach, it is possible to reclaim one's life and move towards a future of greater resilience, joy, and self-empowerment.