Trauma and Protective Factors

At some point in our lives, a traumatic event or events will occur. We sometimes have no control over when/if this happens. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing estimates about 70% of adults have experienced trauma in their lives.

There are numerous variables throughout life that impact how someone manages trauma when it occurs. This blog post will briefly recap trauma and discuss what types of factors can help protect against the effects of trauma.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is self-defined by each individual. Less intense traumatic events are known as ‘little t’s’ and traumatic events that reach Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are referred to as ‘big T’s’. Little t traumas do not reach PTSD threshold. Example of little t traumas may be: a negative, intense, verbal argument with your partner or making a mistake while giving a speech. Recent headlines have highlighted the earthquake in Morocco. Additionally, the War in Ukraine and the wildfires in Canada pose to those involved. These situations/events would reach the PTSD threshold.

What Are Protective Factors?

Protective factors are just what they sound like. These are factors, skills, or mental buffers that can absorb stress and/or traumatic events when they occur. This is why self-care is so important.

Self-care is way to recharge and nourish these ‘protective factors’ so they do not become exhausted or wear thin. Below is a list of protective factors; however, it is important that you find hobbies/interests that are impoA plant breaking through resistance. rtant to you.

  • Exercise/walking
  • Supportive relationships
  • Adequate sleep
  • Activities that bring you relief
  • Massage therapy
  • Reading
  • Time with loved ones
  • Nutritious meals
  • Small amounts of unhealthy snacking
  • Time to reflect
  • Past times adversity was endured of overcome

How Do Protective Factors Help With Trauma Recovery?

By engaging in self-care we keep our protective factors charged and at the ready for when traumas occur. Protective factors and/or coping skills work to keep us centered and help to regulate our nervous system which is something that is disrupted by trauma. These skills/factors also help us to stay connected to others when we have an urge to isolate. With a regulated nervous system, we can engage the world in a responsive manner and make conscious decisions versus reactive, impulsive decisions.

Can Trauma Therapy Help?

A trauma therapist can help one learn skills to regulate their nervous system and process out the dysfunctional thoughts, emotions, sensations, and memories related to past trauma(s). This then allows the body and nervous system to fully heal. One of the best therapies to support this internal healing is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy.

Best Trauma Therapist Near You

But how do you find the best trauma therapist near you? Googling these search terms is only part of the equation. Finding a therapist that matches your personal style and fits your needs is a crucial component to this process. Most trauma counselors offer a free consultation to ensure goodness of fit. I encourage you to use these consultations to ask the clinician if they can meet your needs.

Does Revitalize Mental Health Offer Trauma Therapy?

We do. Our therapist is trained in both EMDR therapy as well as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to assist with trauma recovery.  These forms of therapy can be done in-person or via teletherapy for convenience purposes.

Trauma Therapy Near You

Trauma can impact anyone at anytime. If you or someone you know has been impacted by trauma and could benefit from Trauma therapy services in Kenosha. You can click here or call us at 720.295.6703 to schedule a free consultation call. We look forward to hearing from you!

Location Map: 625 57th Street In Person Kenosha, WI 53140

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