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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
Introduction
The reality is that everyone will encounter some form of trauma throughout their lives.
However, the way that everyone will handle and process that trauma will be different. Some may
find it easy to move on from the traumatic experiences while others may carry the weight of it
for the rest of their lives. There will be those who attempt to block out their trauma, hoping to
never confront it again, only to have it resurface at inconvenient times. I have witnessed that
most my clients tend to experience trauma during their childhood or adolescent years. This
period in life can be perplexing as we struggle to understand the complexities of our own
emotions and experiences in life.
Nonetheless, recent studies have shown innovative treatments in assisting individuals in
coping with and releasing the trauma in unique ways. Trauma has a profound impact on the
physical body, often manifesting in pain and contributing to the development of certain diseases.
However, with the help of these innovative studies, we can approach future endeavors and the
healing of trauma with hope and faith.
Children and Trauma
Many children and adolescents experience traumatic events, such as abuse, neglect,
violence, natural disasters, and accidents. Unfortunately, some individuals endure multiple and
prolonged traumas, which can have a tremendous impact on their well-being. Research indicates
that a significant proportion of young people face more than their fair share of traumas, with
22% of surveyed children experiencing four or more different types of victimization within a
year (Wamser, 2013).
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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
Childhood traumatic experiences have comprehensive consequences, affecting both
physical and mental health. Traumatic experiences have been associated with a range of
problems, including risky and self-injurious behaviors, negative parenting outcomes,
revictimization, and engagement in interpersonal violence. It is important to note that these
effects extend beyond the diagnostic criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), even
when considering acute traumatic events. In cases of poly-victimization, the impact of PTSD
may be overshadowed by the magnitude of other negative outcomes (Wamser, 2013).
These findings highlight the urgent need for holistic approaches to address the
consequences of childhood trauma. Effective interventions should not solely focus on the
diagnosis of PTSD but should also consider the broader impact on the individual's physical and
mental well-being, as well as their social and interpersonal functioning. By taking a multifaceted
approach to trauma treatment, we as professionals can work towards promoting healing,
resilience, and long-term recovery for these young vulnerable individuals.
Innovative Studies in Trauma
In her work, Fisher (2014) reflects on her clinical internship in a major city hospital back
in 1989. During that time, the patients she encountered, ranging from professors to working-class
families, and even the homeless and chronically mentally ill, were all struggling with the effects
of trauma, although it went unrecognized. At that point in history, trauma was only associated
with combat veterans and survivors of sexual violence. It had been 15 years since the
establishment of the first rape crisis center and just nine years since post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) was officially recognized as a diagnosis in the DSM. In those days, trauma was narrowly
defined as an event that fell outside the scope of normal human experience. The understanding of
trauma was limited, and clinicians did not routinely inquire about early abuse or trauma in their
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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
clients. The belief was that uncovering buried memories was the key to liberating trauma
sufferers.
Fisher (2014) notes how far we have come in the past 25 years. The focus has shifted
from delving into the darkness and unspeakable horrors of trauma to helping survivors find light,
reconnect with their bodies, tap into their inner resources, and embrace their resilience. This new
approach marks a paradigm shift in trauma treatment, acknowledging that while acknowledging
and processing the pain is important, it is equally important to empower individuals to find
strength and healing. By guiding clients towards their own sources of light and resilience,
therapists can facilitate a transformative journey towards recovery and growth.
Trauma and the Body
There is an urgent need for comprehensive and holistic approaches to address the
consequences of childhood trauma. Effective interventions should not solely focus on the
diagnosis of PTSD but should also consider the broader impact on the individual's physical and
mental well-being, as well as their social and interpersonal functioning. By taking a multifaceted
approach to trauma treatment, professionals can work towards promoting healing, resilience,
coping and long-term recovery for these vulnerable individuals.
According to Fisher (2011) a recent understanding of trauma has shown that its impact is
not only psychological but also somatic, meaning that the body continues to respond as if danger
is still present long after the traumatic events have occurred. Traditionally, therapy for trauma
and attachment issues focused on creating a narrative to access and express the associated
emotions. However, more recent approaches have included psychopharmacological symptom
management and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
Sensorimotor psychotherapy takes a different approach by primarily using exposure to
the details of the traumatic event to access and address the unresolved somatic (body) and
affective (emotional) components of the memory. During therapy, as the patient recounts a
traumatic experience, the therapist listens attentively to both the narrative and the body
responses. They specifically look for signs of unresolved emotional, muscular, visceral (organ-
related), or autonomic (involuntary bodily functions) activity. The therapist then intervenes to
interrupt the trauma-related reactions and helps the individual refocus their attention on the
somatic responses. This process allows the sensations and emotions to be witnessed simply as
bodily experiences rather than signals of ongoing danger (Fisher, 2011).
By addressing the somatic and affective aspects of trauma, sensorimotor psychotherapy
aims to provide relief and healing beyond traditional approaches that focus solely on talk therapy
or medication. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body and works
towards resolving the physical and emotional impacts of trauma.
Psychodrama
According to Fisher (2011) a profound connection between our bodies and minds was
unraveled by neurophysiology, unveiling a unified and continuous system. Within this system,
emotions find their home in the body, as we experience and convey them through our physical
being. The weight of pressure and the bliss of happiness are sensations that pulsate within us.
Deep emotions take root in our hearts, while pain embeds itself in our very muscles (Fisher,
2011).
Through the art of psychodrama, the somatic memory rises to the surface of conscious
awareness, allowing for a reconnection between the mind and body. As I read this approach I
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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
contemplated, the concept of Internal Family Systems (IFS), where protectors and managers
attempt to suppress our emotions. Yet, it becomes clear that we must embrace our inner exile and
liberate the stored emotions within our bodies, for they hold the undeniable truth. Psychodrama
can help with the release of those memories and putting them into perspective on the journey to
healing.
Christian Worldview
The Bible emphasizes that God does not want us to bear burdens alone noted in scripture.
Scriptures urges us to cast our cares upon the Lord and find rest in Him. As someone who helps
others heal and alleviate their burdens, I find great fulfillment in this work. To me, trauma is a
weight that needs to be lifted, and with the help of the Lord, I am dedicated to assisting in the
healing process. In Matthew 18:10, we are reminded not to overlook the importance of even the
smallest among us (children), for their angels constantly behold the face of our heavenly Father.
Hebrews 12:1-29 encourages us to shed the weights that hinder our spiritual journey, particularly
the sins that easily entangle us, and instead run the race set before us with endurance.
The words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28–30 provide solace to those burdened and weary,
inviting them to come to Him and find rest. His yoke is easy, and His burden is light. Life can be
hard, and the burdens it imposes can feel overwhelming. However, we need not carry them
alone. We can find comfort in the promises of God.
Psalm 55:22 assures us that if we cast our burdens upon the Lord, He will sustain us,
never allowing the righteous to be shaken. Isaiah 41:13 promises that God will hold our hand and
help us in times of fear and struggle. 1 Peter 5:6-7 encourages us to humble ourselves before
God, casting all our cares upon Him, knowing that He cares for us.
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Reflection Journal: Related Learning
In summary, the Bible teaches us that we do not have to carry the weight of our burdens
alone. God welcomes us to cast our cares upon Him and find rest. As we experience His support
and guidance, we are to encourage and to extend the same compassion and assistance to others.
Galatians 6:2 instructs us carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfil the law of
Christ. Once God has lifted our burden, He calls upon us to support and help others in their
journeys.
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Reference
Fisher, J. (2011). Sensorimotor approaches to trauma treatment.=Advances in Psychiatric
Treatment,=17(3), 171-177.
Fisher, J. (2014, May). Putting the Pieces Together: 25 Years of Learning Trauma Treatment.
Psychotherapy Networker
The Holy Bible, New International Version.
Wamser, R. A. (2013).=Complex Trauma in Children and Adolescents(Order No. 3602604).
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