Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

1057-A Trauma Informed Approach to Creating Safety

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Understanding Psychodynamics and Safety

  • The presentation begins with a focus on psychodynamics, particularly how early experiences of trauma impact one’s sense of safety.
  • Trauma can manifest in emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms that disrupt everyday life, relationships, and well-being.

    • Effects of Trauma on Health

    • Trauma increases inflammation, disrupts sleep, and contributes to autoimmune disorders.
    • Chronic feelings of unsafety can result in a constant state of hypervigilance, impacting both physical and emotional health.

      • Identifying Unsafe Feelings

      • Individuals can feel unsafe in various domains, including physical, interpersonal, and emotional. Feelings of vulnerability can arise from numerous contexts, like work, home, or social settings.
      • Emotional vulnerability includes situations where individuals fear rejection or criticism, impacting their ability to feel secure.

        • The Role of the Inner Critic

        • People often internalize negative messages from others, leading to an overactive inner critic.
        • Helping clients examine these internalized messages and their origins can improve emotional resilience and self-compassion.

          • Effects of ADHD and Other Disorders

          • Conditions such as ADHD, when undiagnosed, can lead to feelings of rejection and criticism, further contributing to trauma.
          • Mental health issues can both cause and result from trauma, creating a cycle of unsafety and helplessness.

            • Physical and Cognitive Symptoms of Trauma

            • Trauma can lead to physical symptoms like GI distress and increased pain sensitivity due to heightened nervous system activity.
            • Cognitive symptoms include difficulties with concentration, decision-making, and distinguishing between past and present threats.

              • Mindfulness and Safety Strategies

              • Mindfulness and grounding techniques help individuals differentiate between past trauma and present safety.
              • Creating a safe physical and emotional environment is essential for reducing trauma-related stress responses.

                • The Importance of Boundaries

                • Setting and maintaining healthy physical, emotional, and interpersonal boundaries is crucial for trauma survivors to feel safe.
                • Recognizing and moderating triggers in various environments (work, home, relationships) helps reduce feelings of unsafety.

                  • Interpersonal Relationships

                  • Trauma can lead to difficulties in trusting others or feeling secure in relationships. People may develop coping mechanisms like clinginess or avoidance.
                  • Rebuilding trust in oneself and others is a key aspect of trauma recovery.

                    • Rewiring the Nervous System

                    • Healing from trauma involves retraining the nervous system to feel safe in previously triggering situations.
                    • Techniques like vagus nerve stimulation, slow breathing, and relaxation exercises can help reduce hypervigilance and anxiety.


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                      Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipesBy Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes
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