Nobody longs to experience pain or suffering. Human instinct pushes us to avoid traumatic experiences at all costs. It is in our nature to seek comfort and safety. But pain and heartache are universal.

Many who experience trauma find a new resilience, and with the proper support can experience a renewed sense of self. Those same people are also often able to walk with others going through similar experiences much more gracefully and with greater empathy. In fact, research shows that between half and one-third of all people who have experienced a traumatic event come out stronger. Perspective is deepened, relationships are strengthened, and a general sense of mental fortitude is forged when a person finds healing after trauma. But healing doesn’t happen in secret, and it rarely happens alone. Seeking help from a therapist who is trained in trauma and understands the emotional phases of healing offers the best tool for seeing positive growth and change on the other side of trauma.

The Silver Lining: Growth After Trauma

Trauma can, of course, have a negative impact on an individual if they aren’t given the tools to combat the heartache.  Trauma can potentially lead to feelings of depression, low self-esteem, a general sense of woe, fear and anxiety, and a host of other negative emotional side effects. But hope is not lost because healing is possible for the person who has experienced trauma.

Transforming after a traumatic experience takes time and effort, but with the help of a trauma-informed therapist, an individual can find healing after trauma. This healing process leads to positive transformations. Where there was once depression, a person finds joy. Where there was low self-esteem, a person may discover a deep sense of self-worth. Fear and anxiety can be turned around and replaced with courage. And in the place of despair, an individual can find deep and lasting peace. Those who have found positive transformation after trauma are then much more equipped to help others who may walk through a similar situation, and in turning around and serving others they may find a new sense of self and peace.

What are the 3 main types of trauma?

Trauma occurs from a single event, a series of events, or a set of circumstances that an individual experiences, which leave them either physically or emotionally scarred. There are three different types of trauma:

• Acute: Trauma that occurs after a single event (such as an accident, an assault, or a natural disaster). This type of trauma often, but not always, leads to feelings of unrest, fear, unease, and anxiety.

• Chronic: Trauma that is repeated or prolonged (such as domestic violence, abuse, long-term illness, or exposure to prolonged stress). This type of trauma can manifest in depression, a lack of self-worth or self-dignity, anxiety, and attention seeking behaviors.

• Complex: Trauma that occurs after exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive or interpersonal nature (such as victims of childhood abuse or neglect, familial abuse, or civil unrest). This is the most difficult type of trauma to overcome as it often requires a deep dive into the events that led to the trauma. It is not uncommon for victims of chronic trauma to avoid talking about the events that traumatized them as it can often be painful to dredge up those memories.

The Symptom Overlap: How Trauma Presents

The symptoms of each of these traumas often present similarly and range from fatigue and depression to behavioral or cognitive problems. Those who have experienced trauma, no matter what type, benefit from speaking with a licensed therapist who is trained in walking the traumatized individual through the experiences that shaped them and helping them reshape the narrative moving forward.

​​No “One-Size-Fits-All” Approach: Understanding Personal Reactions to Trauma

As humans, we like to rank things in order of importance. We love a good first to last narrative—a greater-than or less-than mentality. But there is really no ranking in terms of the after-effects of trauma. Because mankind is a complex species, we will all react differently to traumatic events. Much of this will depend on the severity of the trauma, the timing in which it occurred, and how long it lasted as well as the availability of a support network to gather around the victim.

Healing Is Possible: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At Christian Counseling of Tampa, we firmly believe that healing is possible, no matter what type of trauma you’ve experienced. Our team of licensed, trauma-informed therapists is here to help you navigate the path toward healing with compassionate, professional support. We understand that every person’s trauma journey is unique, and we’re committed to helping you find a way forward. No matter what type of trauma you have faced and experienced, or perhaps continue to experience, we at Christian Counseling of Tampa believe that healing is possible. We have a team of highly qualified, trauma-informed therapists who are equipped to help you navigate the path toward healing. Call us today to schedule your first appointment.

Read more about healing from trauma on our trauma blog series!

What Happens to the Human Brain During Trauma?

The Journey to Growth After Trauma