Trauma Experienced Uniquely

Trauma has a variety of consequences that are unique to each individual. Symptoms can include great destruction and despair, insurmountable grief, physical symptoms, and sometimes serious psychopathology, as well as post-traumatic growth (PTG), where the individual grows and develops as a result of consciously facing the adversities they face.

Simply calling trauma an opportunity for personal growth should not diminish or dismiss the devastating effects of trauma-especially repetitive, ongoing trauma. Research, however, shows trauma can be a catalyst for both psychological and spiritual growth. It also allows your body to move toward the hopeful or positive.

As a result of your personal history, genetic resiliency, spiritual perspective, the length and severity of the traumatic event, and your emotional and psychobiological state during and after the initial trauma impact(s), your unique experience of trauma emerges. A person's response to potentially traumatic events and threatening experiences is also crucial in determining whether you become traumatized.

The more you understand your unique trauma experience, the easier it will be to address and heal from its effects. Even though healing trauma is not a linear process, over time you will experience changes on all levels.