Helping Parts to Heal from Acute Trauma

When approaching trauma, it is important to understand that there are different types that require different treatments. Traumas must be addressed according to their specific needs. In your lifetime, you may have experienced what is called a single incident or acute trauma. Examples of these include car accidents, assault, sudden death of loved ones and acute medical illness. If this is the case, take a moment to recall some of the symptoms that were cued within you amidst that time. These symptoms are not just cognitive; they have a deeper physical/somatic impact on our system. You were likely moving between what is called sympathetic state (i.e. fight/flight) and dorsal state (i.e. shut down/collapse). In sympathetic state parts (e.g. anger, fear, anxiety) quickly amplify within us (i.e. hyper aroused). It is as if we are reliving the event, and we MUST act quickly to help mitigate potential threat (e.g. hyper-vigilance perfectionism, negativity/criticism, impulsive/compulsive behaviours). Conversely, in dorsal state, we experience a shut down/collapse response (i.e. hypo aroused). We may dissociate, numb and isolate ourselves as a means of dealing with the threat.

Healing from acute trauma requires a safe environment where the experience can be processed. If support is accessed in a timely manner, symptoms can resolve. Therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are shown to be effective in treating symptoms. With IFS, a trained therapist can help facilitate connection between your Core Self and the parts that have been impacted by the trauma. As noted, these parts may feel trapped in their protective roles and are unable to see any alternatives. Your Core Self is that space deep within you that cannot be touched by trauma and grief. Self-energy (i.e. curiousity and compassion) can help extreme parts to soften and deepen a felt sense of safety within your system. 

Connection is vital in helping parts to heal as untreated symptoms can develop into chronic PTSD. If you are experiencing increased distress with your system as a result of a single incident trauma, my hope is that you will reach out for connection soon so that your parts can begin their healing journey and experience the freedom they so deserve.

Notes

The Body Keeps the Score, by Bessel Van Der Kolk

Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems Therapy by Frank Anders

Ruth Culver – “The Survive/Thrive Spiral” – https://calmheart.co.uk/resources/

Photo by Susan Wilkinson on Unsplash