THE CLIMB

In the aftermath of a horrific event, such as an unexpected death, our hearts go out to those who have been directly impacted by the trauma. When a tragedy strikes close to home, it leaves not only physical scars but emotional ones that can take years to process. The pain and confusion felt by witnesses, survivors, and community members are both real and profound.

One of the small comforts during times like these comes from the timeless words of Fred Rogers, who shared wisdom that can still guide us today. He said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” These helpers—counselors, friends, neighbors, and first responders—can provide the initial sense of security and connection that is so vital during times of crisis.

Talking About the Trauma

It’s natural for people who’ve experienced or witnessed a traumatic event to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to begin processing what happened. One of the most important things anyone can do is talk about it. For some, opening up might feel like reliving the experience, which can make it difficult to start the conversation. However, it’s crucial to understand that talking is one of the first steps toward healing.

Creating a safe environment for dialogue is essential. It can help if you take small, manageable steps, allowing those affected to share what they feel comfortable with. Here are some helpful guidelines for talking about trauma:

1. Acknowledge the Reality: Allow yourself or the person you’re supporting to acknowledge the event. Avoid minimizing it by saying things like “it could’ve been worse” or “try not to think about it.” Acknowledging what happened helps validate the emotions of those affected.
2. Listen Without Judgment: If you are supporting someone, your role is to be a compassionate listener. People dealing with trauma need to know that their feelings—whether it’s fear, anger, sadness, or confusion—are valid and heard.
3. Encourage Expression: Sometimes, trauma can be too painful for words. Encourage other forms of expression, like writing, drawing, or even physical movement. These activities can serve as an outlet for processing emotions that feel too big to verbalize.
4. Pace the Conversation: Trauma can make people feel vulnerable, so it’s essential not to rush them. Allow conversations to unfold over time rather than pushing for full disclosure immediately.

Coping with the Emotional Aftermath of Trauma

It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after witnessing a traumatic event. People may feel anxious, confused, or even angry. Some may feel guilty, questioning why they survived or were spared from harm. These emotions, though difficult, are natural responses to trauma. But it’s also important to recognize when those feelings may need professional attention, especially if they begin to interfere with daily life.

Here are a few coping strategies to consider as part of the healing process:

1. Focus on Immediate Needs: In the initial days or weeks after trauma, focus on meeting basic needs like sleep, nutrition, and rest. Physical well-being is deeply connected to emotional healing.
2. Practice Grounding Techniques: When memories or flashbacks of the event start to feel overwhelming, grounding techniques can help. One simple technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 method: Identify five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This exercise helps reorient the mind to the present moment.
3. Lean on Your Support System: While trauma often makes people want to isolate, it’s essential to maintain connections with others. Reaching out to trusted family and friends can provide a much-needed sense of security.
4. Set Small, Achievable Goals: After trauma, normal activities might feel overwhelming. Setting small goals—whether it’s getting out of bed, going for a walk, or returning to a routine—can provide a sense of accomplishment and control.
5. Limit Exposure to Media: Constantly watching or reading about the event may reinforce the trauma. Give yourself permission to step away from media coverage and instead focus on activities that foster relaxation and peace.

The Healing Power of EMDR Therapy

Trauma is stored in both the body and the brain, which is why traditional talk therapy might not always be enough. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has proven to be an effective method for processing traumatic memories and reducing the emotional distress associated with them.

EMDR works by helping people reprocess traumatic memories so that they are no longer as emotionally charged. The therapy uses bilateral stimulation, often in the form of eye movements, which mimics what happens during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of sleep. This helps the brain reorganize and make sense of the traumatic experience.

One of the benefits of EMDR is that it allows individuals to process their trauma without needing to fully re-live the details. This can be incredibly helpful for those who find it too painful to talk about their experience directly. Through EMDR, people often find that the memories of the event become less vivid and lose their emotional intensity over time.

Trauma Memories are Different

When you go through a deeply emotional or traumatic event, the way your mind stores that memory is quite different from how it processes everyday experiences. Why is that? Trauma memories are stored in a different part of the brain, making them feel more vivid and emotionally charged. In this video, we explore how trauma impacts memory and why these memories can feel so intense and unsettling.

Finding Hope After Trauma

While the road to healing from a traumatic event can feel long and uncertain, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible. Seeking support—whether from professional counselors, a supportive community, or a trauma-informed therapist trained in EMDR—can make all the difference.

As we look for ways to heal, let’s also look for the helpers. Those who step in, care for, and guide others through the darkest moments are the beacons of hope. Fred Rogers reminded us that no matter how bleak things may seem, there are always people who care, who help, and who stand by us. As you navigate this journey, know that you are not alone, and that healing is possible—one step at a time.

At The Pursuit, a group of experienced therapists have come together to offer best-in-class counseling services. We prioritize clinical theory, non-judgmental approaches, and effective interventions, treatment plans, and coping skills. We have therapists who specialize in different areas and we strive to find the best match for your unique needs. Are you ready to take the first step in your Pursuit towards a happier, healthier you? We invite you to book your free 20-minute consultation with one of our skilled therapists. Don’t wait; it’s time to invest in your well-being. Simply Book Now to start your Pursuit toward personal growth and positive change today. Keep reading if you want to learn more about Trauma Counseling.