Over the years we have come to understand the long-term impact of trauma. Many have experienced abusive experiences (physical, emotional, sexual), tragic or dramatically-impacting life events (assault, injuries/illnesses, fires, devastating weather). Others experience on-going, chronic circumstances which create trauma in more subtle, but equally important ways. Unhealthy relationships at home and in the workplace can create trauma. Witnessing or hearing about the trauma of others can lead to trauma in some individuals.
The treatment of trauma is specialized and can involve a complementary group of techniques designed to understand the origin of the trauma experience and to provide a safe, supportive environment for the processing of feelings and the development of coping strategies when symptoms recur. Through an understanding of the effects of trauma, a processing of one's emotional reaction, a re-shaping of one's perspective and the learning of coping strategies to calm one's physical and psychological reaction those who have experienced trauma are not bound by their past.