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Trauma can be caused by many things and can have a lasting effect on our lives. Therapists categorize trauma into different types such as acute trauma, chronic trauma, developmental trauma, complex trauma, vicarious trauma, and intergenerational trauma. In this blog post, we'll learn about each of these types of trauma.  Acute Trauma Acute trauma happens when something unexpected and intense occurs, like a natural disaster, car accident, or physical assault. People who experience acute trauma may experience panic attacks, or feel scared, shocked, and powerless. They may remember the event very clearly for a long time afterward. Acute trauma can also cause physical problems like headaches, tiredness, and problems sleeping. Chronic Trauma Chronic trauma happens when someone is repeatedly exposed to stressful situations, like living in a war zone or an abusive home. It can cause long-term problems with a person's body, emotions, and social life. Chronic trauma can cause things like worry, sadness, and PTSD.  Developmental Trauma Developmental trauma happens during important stages of growth, like childhood, and can cause long-term problems with emotions and relationships. Examples of developmental trauma include being ignored, hurt emotionally, or harmed physically or sexually. People who experience developmental trauma may have difficulty with relationships, feeling good about themselves, and controlling their emotions. Complex Trauma Complex trauma happens when someone experiences many stressful events for a long time, often starting in childhood. It can cause problems with feelings, behavior, and health. Examples of complex trauma include being harmed or ignored when young, being hurt by a family member or living in a place with a lot of violence.  Vicarious Trauma Vicarious trauma happens when someone who works with people who have experienced trauma has a hard time emotionally. Examples include first responders, therapists, and journalists. Vicarious trauma can cause things like feeling tired, overwhelmed, and stressed. Intergenerational Trauma Intergenerational trauma is when trauma gets passed down through families. This can happen when people don't get the help they need to feel better after something bad happens. The effects of the trauma can then be passed on through how people in the family act, think, and believe. This kind of trauma often ends up being a big part of a person's identity and how they see the world. Intergenerational trauma can cause things like worry, sadness, drug or alcohol abuse, and problems with health.  Trauma can affect people in different ways. It can last a long time and cause problems with emotions, thoughts, and health. Most adults have experienced some kind of trauma in their lives. It might fall neatly into one of the categories discussed above, or it might be a combination of a few of them. Most of the time, trauma is the root of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. EMDR therapy can help people work through almost any type of trauma, including the ones we talked about. If you have been through trauma and it's affecting your life, it might be helpful to see an EMDR therapist. They can help you understand your trauma and work through it so that you can feel better. Remember that healing can happen, and you don't have to do it by yourself. This article was written by Mindworks Mental Health, a mental health clinic licensed to see clients in the State of Utah. If you are interested in starting therapy, please fill out the Request an Appointment form on their website.
In addition to therapeutic treatment, the clinic has published several books and workbooks. Click here to read more about them!
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As Memorial Day arrives, a day of remembrance for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country, it can also be a poignant time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, and it's important to understand that the journey through grief looks different for everyone.  Grief is a unique and individual experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to it. However, many people find it helpful to understand the general stages of grief as described by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. These stages include:
It's crucial to recognize that the stages of grief are not rigid steps to be followed in a linear fashion. Grief is a dynamic and ever-changing process. You may find yourself bouncing between different stages, experiencing them in varying intensities and durations. It's important to grant yourself permission to navigate these emotions without judgment or expectation.  While grief is a natural response to loss, it can be an incredibly challenging journey to navigate alone. Seeking support from a therapist who specializes in grief counseling can provide immense comfort and guidance during this time. Here's why reaching out to a therapist can be beneficial:
 Memorial Day can serve as a poignant reminder of the loved ones we have lost. Understanding the stages of grief can provide a framework for navigating the complex emotions that arise during this time. Remember, grief is not a linear process, and it's okay to experience a mix of emotions. Seeking support from a therapist who specializes in grief counseling may be a good option for you. You do not have to grieve alone. This article was written by Mindworks Mental Health, a mental health clinic licensed to see clients in the State of Utah. If you are interested in starting therapy, please fill out the Request an Appointment form on their website.
In addition to therapeutic treatment, the clinic has published several books and workbooks. Click here to read more about them! Grief is tough, and there's no getting around it. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job, or even a part of yourself, it can feel overwhelming and challenging to know how to cope.  It's important to know that everyone grieves differently, and that's okay. Some people might feel sadness, anger, or confusion, while others might experience physical symptoms like exhaustion or loss of appetite. Whatever you're feeling, it's important to allow yourself the time and space to grieve in your own way. It's okay to grieve, and it's okay to ask for help. If you're struggling with grief and it's affecting your daily life, seeking support from a mental health professional can be an important step in your healing journey.  One type of therapy that can be helpful in managing grief is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Originally designed to treat trauma, EMDR has also been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health concerns, including grief. In EMDR therapy, a therapist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other types of bilateral stimulation while you focus on a specific memory or feeling related to your grief. The goal is to reprocess the memory and reduce its impact on your emotional state. While EMDR therapy can be effective, it's important to remember that it's not a cure-all. Grief takes time to heal, and it's a necessary part of the process. However, EMDR therapy can be a valuable support in helping you navigate the grieving process. Along with EMDR therapy, other forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in managing grief. A licensed therapist can help you create a personalized treatment plan that's tailored to your individual needs.  Aside from therapy, there are other steps you can take to manage your grief. It's important to take care of yourself during this time by eating well, getting enough rest, and doing activities that bring you joy. Seeking support from friends, family, or a support group can also be helpful. In summary, grief is a normal and necessary process that can be challenging to navigate. EMDR therapy is one way to help you process your emotions and move forward in the grieving process, but it's important to remember that healing takes time. If you're struggling with grief, it's important to seek support from a mental health professional and remember that healing and recovery are possible. The author, Camilla Olsen, CMHC, is licensed to see clients in the State of Utah. If you are interested in starting therapy with her, please fill out the Request an Appointment form on her website.
You may also be interested to know, that she has published several books and workbooks. Click here to read more about them! |
About the AuthorCami is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, specializing in helping adult clients heal from past trauma. With experience in treating depression, anxiety, grief, and childhood trauma, Cami provides compassionate care using a variety of therapeutic approaches including EMDR, CBT, and Sand Tray Therapy. 
Do you live in the State of Utah? If so, would you like to become a client?
Fill out the Request an Appointment form to get started. 
Camilla Olsen, CMHC has published a variety of mental health workbooks, coloring books, and sketchbooks. Click here to explore the collection.
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