DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRAUMA REQUIRE DIFFERENT APPROACHES
You may be wondering if you have trauma and what that means for you and your relationships. You may know you have trauma because of the symptoms you are struggling with, like panic, hypervigilance, and nightmares. The most important thing to know about trauma is that healing is possible! One of the scariest but most rewarding journeys a person can go on is the journey to reconnect with the Self after trauma. Hayley Leishman, LCSW, TRS, CSAT, CMAT is a compassionate healer that understands how to safely navigate trauma based upon your unique experiences and preferences. Below are some of the different types of trauma that Hayley works with. If you are ready to start the healing process, click the link below.
Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma cuts deep, leaving feelings of abandonment, confusion, and heartbreak that can be overwhelming and all-consuming. The pain often stems from the rupture of trust, leaving individuals unsure of who or what they can rely on. Healing from this kind of trauma requires a combination of processing the emotional wounds and re-regulating the nervous system. Betrayal trauma is a significant trauma that can lead to PTSD. Approaches like somatic therapy help release the body’s tension and fear, while EMDR can assist in reprocessing the traumatic memories, allowing them to lose their grip. With time, support, and the right tools, it’s possible to rebuild trust—first with oneself—and gradually open the door to healing and emotional resilience. Learn more about betrayal trauma here.
Sexual Trauma
Recovering from sexual trauma is a deeply personal and often long journey, one that requires patience, self-compassion, and support. The effects can ripple through every aspect of life, leaving lasting emotional, physical, and psychological scars. Healing involves not only processing the trauma itself but also reclaiming a sense of safety, control, and agency. Therapy modalities like trauma-informed care, EMDR, and somatic healing can be instrumental in helping individuals work through the overwhelming emotions and sensations that often accompany sexual trauma. With time, the right support, and a commitment to self-care, recovery is possible—enabling survivors to heal, rebuild their sense of self, and regain empowerment in their own lives.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an effective therapy for treating PTSD, as it helps individuals process traumatic memories that are “stuck” in the brain and continue to trigger intense emotional and physical reactions. By using bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing them to be stored in a more adaptive way. This technique enables clients to reframe their trauma, gain new perspectives, and gradually heal from the past, leading to reduced symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. EMDR provides a powerful tool for trauma recovery, helping individuals regain a sense of control and peace.
Complex PTSD
Complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is a form of trauma that arises from prolonged or repeated exposure to abuse, neglect, or other forms of chronic trauma, often beginning in childhood or early adulthood. Unlike traditional PTSD, C-PTSD involves deeper emotional wounds, including a diminished sense of self-worth, difficulties with relationships, and pervasive feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness. Treatment typically involves a multi-faceted approach, including trauma-focused therapy like EMDR, somatic therapies, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address emotional dysregulation. Working through C-PTSD requires building a sense of safety, healing the fragmented sense of self, and learning healthy coping mechanisms. With patience and the right therapeutic support, individuals can gradually regain control over their lives, develop healthier relationships, and rebuild their sense of inner strength.