Triggers and Trauma

Our Brain has a great memory storage system. The "storage system" is basically a collection of information drawn from experiences to inform us when encountering new situations. Don't touch the hot stove, don't hit the big kid and don't play in traffic. Based on experience, when we see the big kid who hit back, we give them a wide berth (or hide). As we go up the "Trigger Continuum", the triggers become more complex. Triggers can be based on facial expressions, body language, a smell, a tone of voice. Even more complex can include sarcasm, a subtle gesture, a specific phrase. As we move more up the "continuum" the physical and/or emotional hurt becomes more profound to the point of carrying unhealed wounds. And at the extreme end, the experience of trauma. is where our well-being is threatened either through direct victimization or second hand (witness to) or even vicariously, through other's shared experiences. The problem with this stored information is when it can get in the way of sound and rational perceptions. Trauma occurs when warning bells go off inside of our brain that cause both emotional and physiological reactions. We return to a fight/flight or freeze mode to prepare to face the coming trigger event. Our brains are stuck in the memory and often our perceptions are skewed. Individual counselling is a means of unlearning the event. Individual counselling helps to teach the brain to "un-condition itself" and for the individual to be reasonably reaction free when facing no real harm, and have a reasonable perception/assessment of the presenting event. It's always important to be aware of "red flags" as an early warning tool in the face of potential harm. It's also important to manage the physiological "trauma response" through positive self talk, relaxation techniques and other emotional management techniques that lead to healthy choices through sound perceptions. Do well by seeking individual counselling when triggers and trauma reactions get in your way.