TRAUMA COUNSELLING

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

  1. Acute Trauma
    • Stemming from a one-time traumatic incident, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster
  2. Chronic Trauma
    • Repeated or prolonged exposure to distressing events (e.g., abuse, bullying, domestic violence)
  3. Complex Trauma
    • Ongoing exposure to traumatic events, often beginning in early childhood
  4. Developmental Trauma
    • Occurs during early life and impacts emotional and cognitive development
  5. 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

 

Online Counselling

Free Self-Assessment