Dealing with the aftermath of traumatic experiences can be as challenging as it’s painful. But the first step to healing is understanding the forces pulling the strings of our most dire emotional responses: our trauma triggers. Resolving trauma at the deepest level requires us to identify and address these triggers head-on, and for many, this process is a focal point of therapy.
For more information about trauma therapy, our PTSD treatment program, and how we can help, contact Evoke Wellness at Hilliard today. Call 866.430.9267 and connect with us online to begin your healing journey with us.
Identifying Trauma Triggers
Trauma triggers are stimuli that unconsciously remind individuals of past traumatic events. These can be sensory experiences such as smells or sounds, specific environments or circumstances, visual cues, or emotional experiences. Common triggers include loud noises, certain scents, crowded places, and even the anniversary of an event. They’re the small but sharp edges of an emotional jigsaw puzzle that, when pieced together, unveil a much larger picture of our trauma history.
Some of the most common trauma triggers are:
- Sensory cues – Triggers affecting the senses are often the most vivid and immediate. Think fireworks for those with combat-related PTSD or the smell of a particular perfume that was present during a traumatic assault.
- Environmental and situational stimuli – Being in a location that resembles the setting of a traumatic event can provoke intense emotional distress, as can certain social situations that echo the dynamics of past negative experiences.
- Thoughts and memories – Sometimes, internal thoughts and memories can act as triggers, particularly thoughts with specific content relevant to the trauma. These can arise from seemingly unrelated inner thoughts but can lead to a rapid deterioration of mental state.
- Certain dates and occasions – The passing of time doesn’t necessarily dull the influence of trauma. Certain dates, such as the date a trauma occurred or significant societal events, can all trigger a mental reliving of the trauma.
Understanding and identifying these triggers is crucial for reclaiming control over our psychological responses and ensuring that we approach similar situations with preparedness and resilience. Trauma therapy can help individuals do this.
Other Benefits of Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is not only about learning to manage triggers; it’s a comprehensive approach to reclaiming one’s sense of self and overcoming the significant impact that trauma can have on the mind and body. Here are some additional benefits that come from engaging in trauma treatment.
Leaving Behind a Victim Mentality
The simple act of seeking therapy is often a monumental step for individuals who have endured trauma. It signals a shift from being a victim of the past to a survivor who is actively seeking to improve their well-being. The very act of entering into trauma therapy is a declaration of empowerment and a positive step in the recovery process.
Understanding Deep-Seated Responses
Therapy helps you untangle the web of your internal world, where experiences, emotions, and neurobiological responses all intermingle. It gives you the tools to understand why you react the way you do, which can be incredibly liberating. Realizing that your responses are psychological and deeply physiological can be healing.
Rebuilding the Narrative
Trauma often shatters our life story, leaving us in confusion and pain. In therapy, individuals can craft a new narrative, reshaping the story of their lives from one of injury and loss to one of resilience and growth. This process is not about trivializing the past but about shifting the focus to the power of the individual’s quest for healing and well-being.
Overcome Trauma at Evoke Wellness at Hilliard — Contact Us Today
At Evoke Wellness at Hilliard, our approach to trauma therapy is both compassionate and evidence-based. We understand that conquering trauma is a profound and personal journey, and our skilled therapists are dedicated to guiding clients through every step. Start today—call 866.430.9267 or contact us online to overcome trauma and regain control of your life.
