Understanding Trauma
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope, leaving lasting emotional and psychological effects. It can result from a single event, such as an accident or loss, or ongoing experiences, like abuse or neglect. Trauma affects people in different ways, often creating feelings of fear, helplessness, or a sense of being stuck in the past.
Trauma is real, and your feelings are valid. It can impact every aspect of your life, including your emotional well-being, relationships, and daily functioning. Many individuals feel isolated or misunderstood in their experience, but you are not alone. Trauma is a common human experience, and healing is possible.
At Clearview Counselling, we provide a safe, compassionate space for you to explore your experiences and work toward healing at your own pace. Our therapists are here to help you process the effects of trauma, build emotional resilience, and reclaim your sense of control and empowerment.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when an event or series of events overwhelms your ability to cope. It can be caused by a wide range of experiences, including:
•Accidents or injuries
•Abuse or neglect
•Loss of a loved one
•Natural disasters
•Violence or assault
•Chronic stress or exposure to harmful environments
Veterans and First Responders
Veterans and first responders often face unique challenges as a result of their exposure to high-stress and traumatic situations. The weight of these experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness. Clearview Counselling offers a supportive environment tailored to the needs of those who serve, helping them process trauma, build resilience, and find healing.
Childhood Abuse
Trauma from childhood abuse can leave lasting emotional scars that influence self-esteem, relationships, and mental health well into adulthood. Whether it was physical, emotional, or neglectful in nature, healing is possible. At Clearview Counselling, we provide a compassionate and nurturing space to help you process these experiences, rebuild trust, and reclaim your sense of self.
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Surviving narcissistic abuse can leave you feeling invalidated, confused, and unsure of your self-worth. This subtle yet damaging form of abuse often involves manipulation, gaslighting, and emotional control. Clearview Counselling is here to help you untangle the effects of this abuse, rebuild your confidence, and establish healthy boundaries for the future.
Sexual Violence
The trauma of sexual violence can have profound emotional and psychological impacts, affecting feelings of safety, trust, and self-worth. At Clearview Counselling, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process these experiences, offering support as you work toward healing and reclaiming your life with strength and empowerment.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to intrusive memories, avoidance, hyperarousal, or emotional numbness. At Clearview Counselling, we specialize in helping individuals manage PTSD symptoms, process the trauma at the root, and develop the tools needed to regain control and confidence in their lives.
Religious Trauma
Religious trauma can result from harmful experiences within faith communities or spiritual systems, leaving individuals with feelings of guilt, shame, or confusion about their identity and beliefs. Clearview Counselling provides a supportive space to process these experiences, address the impact of religious trauma, and find your path to healing and self-discovery.
Domestic Violence
Experiencing domestic violence can be deeply isolating and traumatic, leaving lasting emotional and physical scars. Whether the abuse is sexual, emotional, physical, or financial, Clearview Counselling offers a safe, compassionate environment to help you heal, rebuild your sense of safety, and move forward with strength and resilience.
Trauma affects each person differently, and what feels traumatic to one person may not feel the same to another. It’s important to honor your unique experience and seek your support.
Common Signs of Trauma:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
- Feeling numb or disconnected from yourself or others
- Heightened anxiety, fear, or irritability
- Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or an upset stomach
- sleep problems
- challenges managing your emotions (e.g. mood swings)
- behaviour changes
- reactivity (eg. easily started, jumpy, quick to anger, etc.)
- changes in how you see yourself or others
- thoughts of suicide
- increased use of unhealthy coping strategies (e.g. self-harm, drug or alcohol use)
These symptoms can be short-term or long-lasting, often impacting your ability to feel safe, connected, or in control. If symptoms are severe or persist for an extended period of time, it may be a sign that you meet the criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
How Trauma Affects Life
Trauma doesn’t just affect your emotions—it can influence your physical health, relationships, and sense of identity. It may lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or unworthiness, making it difficult to connect with others or engage fully in life. Without support, the effects of trauma can feel overwhelming, but healing is possible with the right guidance.
How Clearview Counselling Can Help
At Clearview Counselling, we understand the profound impact trauma can have on your life. We are committed to providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can safely explore your experiences and begin the healing process. Together, we’ll work to help you regain a sense of safety, build coping strategies, and restore your inner strength.
Healing from trauma is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Clearview Counselling is here to walk alongside you, offering understanding, compassion, and the tools you need to move forward and rebuild your life with confidence and hope.