21 Sep Trauma: Triggers, Core Beliefs, and Unmet Needs in Childhood

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The impact of developmental trauma on daily reactions:

Do you notice a pattern when feeling triggered in a close relationship? Perhaps you feel at a deep level that the person is wronging you in some way, leading to an intense and possibly disproportionate emotional response. Sometimes, you may even be unsure of the reasons behind your reactions.

What are the Signs of Developmental Trauma?

If you experienced trauma in childhood, you might find it challenging to control your emotions as an adult, feeling emotionally stuck at the age when the trauma occurred. This may result from a single incident trauma leading to post-traumatic stress or developmental trauma.

In the field of psychology and trauma, research shows that early experiences shape the way we understand and manage emotions later in life. When developmental trauma is present, you may find yourself adopting child-like emotional responses to get your needs met, such as tears, tantrums, or shutting down emotionally, rather than communicating your needs through words. This is a common struggle for those who have experienced developmental trauma or attachment trauma.

Humans are not born with the innate ability to control their emotions. Learning how to regulate emotions appropriately is a major part of a child’s development. However, experiencing trauma during childhood or adolescence can disrupt this process, ultimately impairing your ability to process and regulate your emotions. This disruption can manifest as emotional dysregulation in adulthood, where you might feel overwhelmed by your emotions or have difficulty managing them in a healthy way.

What is the Impact of Complex PTSD (CPTSD)?

Childhood trauma can lead to Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), which arises when you experience an ongoing source of trauma that you feel powerless to escape. Situations that can cause complex trauma include:

• Early abuse or neglect leads to feelings of worthlessness and mistrust.
• Intense emotional swings and unstable relationships due to abandonment and mistrust.
• Enduring negative core beliefs about oneself and the world is linked to ongoing trauma.
• Persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness stemming from emotional deprivation.
• Dependency on substances as a coping mechanism for emotional pain or disconnection.
• Chronic stress and burnout are linked to unrelenting standards or self-sacrifice.

How Trauma Shapes Core Beliefs and Unmet Needs?

With trauma, your brain wants to keep you safe so badly that it works overtime, over-relying on blueprints from the past and creating a sense of danger in the present, long after the threat is gone. These blueprints form core beliefs that are deeply ingrained and often influence your reactions and interactions in close relationships. Core beliefs such as “I am not safe,” “I am unlovable,” or “I must be perfect to be accepted” can dictate how you perceive yourself and others, leading to unmet needs in childhood.

How to Recognise and Heal from Developmental Trauma?

Recognising the patterns of emotional responses and understanding their roots in childhood trauma is the first step towards healing. Therapy can provide a safe space to explore these triggers, core beliefs, and unmet needs, helping you develop healthier ways to regulate your emotions and communicate your needs. Building a supportive network and practising self-compassion are also crucial elements in the journey towards healing developmental trauma. By acknowledging the impact of your past and taking steps to address it, you can work towards breaking free from the emotional patterns that no longer serve you and move towards a more balanced and fulfilling emotional life.

How a Psychologist Can Help Heal Developmental Trauma:

#1. Creating a Safe Therapeutic Environment:

A psychologist offers a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions and experiences without fear of criticism. This supportive environment is crucial for building trust and allowing you to open up about your past traumas.

#2. Identifying Triggers and Core Beliefs:

Through therapy, you can identify specific trauma triggers that cause intense emotional reactions. A psychologist helps you uncover the core beliefs formed in childhood that continue to influence your behaviour and emotions. Understanding these patterns is the first step towards changing them.

#3. Emotion Regulation Skills:

Psychologists teach various techniques for regulating emotions, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and grounding techniques. These tools can help you manage overwhelming emotions in the moment and reduce the intensity of your reactions.

#4. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):

CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps you challenge and change negative thought patterns and beliefs. By addressing these cognitive distortions, you can develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to situations.

#5. Trauma-Focused Therapy:

Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), are specifically designed to address the impacts of trauma. These therapies can help you process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.

#6. Building Healthy Relationships:

A psychologist can guide you in developing healthier relationship patterns. This includes learning effective communication skills, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of healthy versus unhealthy relationships.

#7. Addressing Unmet Needs:

In therapy, you can explore and address unmet needs from childhood. A psychologist helps you understand these needs and find ways to meet them in healthy, adult-appropriate ways. This process can be deeply healing and empowering.

#8. Developing Self-Compassion:

Healing from trauma involves cultivating self-compassion. A psychologist can help you develop a kinder, more understanding relationship with yourself, which is essential for long-term recovery and emotional well-being.

#9. Gradual Exposure and Desensitisation:

For those with intense fear responses, gradual exposure to complex trauma symptoms in adults in a controlled and safe environment can help desensitise you to these stimuli. This process, guided by a psychologist, can reduce the power of triggers over time.

#10. Support and Accountability:

Regular therapy sessions provide ongoing support and accountability. This consistent support can be a stabilising force as you navigate the challenges of healing developmental trauma.

When to Seek Professional Help?

While self-help strategies can be beneficial, seeking professional help is essential for addressing severe or persistent developmental or attachment trauma. A trauma psychologist can provide tailored treatment plans, therapy, and support to address the underlying causes and symptoms of such trauma. Developmental trauma therapy, including evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioural therapy, attachment-based therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, can help address the root causes and foster resilience.

How Positive Wellbeing Psychology Can Help?

Developmental or attachment trauma can have a profound impact, but with the right tools and support, healing is possible. Understanding the symptoms, recognising the underlying causes, and implementing effective strategies can help individuals regain control and move towards healing. By embracing a holistic approach, fostering resilience, and seeking professional help when needed, it is possible to live a fulfilling and peaceful life, free from the burdens of trauma. For those seeking professional support and guidance, Positive Wellbeing Psychology offers tailored treatment plans and expert care to help manage and overcome complex trauma symptoms in adults.