What is Trauma Counselling?

Trauma refers to a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, leaving a lasting impact on mental, emotional, and sometimes physical well-being. It can result from a single event, a series of events, or long-term exposure to stressful experiences.

At Psychowellness Center, one of West Delhi’s top mental health providers, trauma therapy is offered through a compassionate, evidence-based approach. The team of experienced psychologists and therapists helps individuals process their trauma, regain emotional balance, and rebuild a sense of safety and control.

Trauma recovery is not about forgetting the past but learning how to live with it in a way that no longer controls your life.

Types

Acute Trauma
- Stemming from a one-time traumatic incident, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster
Chronic Trauma
- Repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events (e.g., abuse, bullying, domestic violence)
Complex Trauma
- Ongoing exposure to traumatic events, often beginning in early childhood
Developmental Trauma
- Occurs during early life and impacts emotional and cognitive development
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
- Affects those indirectly exposed to trauma, like healthcare workers or first responders

Signs and symptoms

Physical Symptoms

Fatigue or exhaustion
Headaches or body aches
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or nightmares)
Gastrointestinal issues
Increased heart rate or panic attacks

Emotional & Psychological Symptoms

Anxiety or persistent fear
Mood swings, irritability, or anger outbursts
Depression or feelings of hopelessness
Numbness, detachment, or emotional shut-down
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Guilt, shame, or self-blame

Behavioral Symptoms

Avoidance of reminders or triggers
Isolation or withdrawal from social activities
Self-harming behaviors or substance use
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Causes

Common Causes

Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Neglect or abandonment
Loss of a loved one
Witnessing violence or accidents
Serious illness or medical interventions
Natural disasters, war, or terrorism

Risk Factors

Lack of a support system
Pre-existing mental health conditions
Childhood adversity
High levels of stress or ongoing instability

Family history of trauma or abuse

Assessment

Clinical Interviews & Trauma Screening Tools

Tools like the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), ACE Questionnaire (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and Impact of Event Scale

Psychological Evaluation

Assessing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms

Medical Assessment

Evaluating any physical effects or co-occurring health conditions

Trauma History & Timeline

Understanding the nature, duration, and impact of trauma

Treatment

1. Psychotherapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Reframes negative beliefs and reduces trauma responses
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A technique used to help individuals process and lessen the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Manages overwhelming emotions and improves relationships
Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals re-author their trauma story

2. Holistic and Complementary Therapies

Yoga, mindfulness, breathing exercises
Art therapy, music therapy, journaling

3. Medication

Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage symptoms, if needed

4. Family and Group Therapy

Involving loved ones to improve support and understanding
Group therapy for shared healing and connection

How Therapy Works

Safe Space Creation: Therapists build a trusting, non-judgmental environment
Stabilization & Coping Skills: Teaching techniques to manage emotional distress
Processing the Trauma: Gradually exploring traumatic memories in a controlled and supportive way
Rebuilding Identity: Strengthening self-worth and empowering individuals
Relapse Prevention: Equipping clients with long-term resilience tools

TRAUMA COUNSELLING