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BONUS BLOG- The six types of trauma - Redefining Love
BONUS BLOG- The six types of trauma - Redefining Love
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BONUS BLOG: The six types of trauma
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I prefer the definition provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA): “Individual trauma [is] an event or
circumstance resulting in physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-
threatening harm. The event or circumstance has lasting adverse e!ects on
the individual’s mental, physical, and emotion health, social well-being,
and/or spiritual well-being.”
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Redefining Trauma
By now you know that I am a words person. If I encounter a definition of a
word that doesn’t serve its purpose, I dig deep into that word, and redefine
it in a way that feels safer that more accurately reflects a healthy sense of
self and the world. Just as I redefined love to allow for boundaries and big,
hard feelings, so too did I redefine trauma.
When any of these basic needs or instincts are withheld or corrupted, our
brain no longer functions as it was designed. Let’s explore the six types of
trauma that impact the human brain. Keep in mind that there is often a lot
of overlap between these traumas. Usually, when one type of trauma is
present, there’s very likely more.
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Physical trauma
This is the type that comes to mind most readily when we think about
trauma. It covers a wide range of experiences, including physical child
abuse, relationship violence, random violence, war violence, natural
disasters, and accidents (such as a car wreck).
Neglect
Neglect often overlaps other types of trauma. But it deserves its own
category because of the basic needs that are unmet when neglect exists.
When we are denied proper nourishment, clothing, and shelter, our brains
go into high alert. Even when no other type of trauma is present, a lack in
these very basic human needs is more than enough to cross wires in the
brain.
Sexual trauma
Traumas in this category include rape and sexual assault, child molestation,
incest, pornography, and sex tra"cking. Another type of sexual abuse is
what is commonly known as “purity culture,” which is an overemphasis on
sexuality over other biological and psychological needs that robs the
abused of personal autonomy and creates a culture of objectification.
Of all the types of abuse, this is the most damaging to the human brain.
Both our nervous systems and our limbic systems are hardwired for sex.
Our bodies are designed to respond to certain touches in very specific
ways. When these body systems are violated, our brain begins to distrust
our signals of sexual desire. What should be a very natural experience
becomes laden with fear, anger, and shame.
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Spiritual trauma
Spiritual trauma occurs when individuals or institutions use religion to
justify abusive and controlling behaviors. Because the abuse is done in the
name of a higher power, the abused develop a warped, toxic sense of
spirituality and their own sense of identity. Spiritual trauma denies the
abused personal autonomy and healthy community relationships. Often
(but not always), when you find spiritual trauma, sexual trauma is also
present.
Across all types of trauma, abusers have an uncanny way of finding others
who are like them. This is particularly dangerous when it comes to spiritual
abuse, because the abuser’s “cohorts” reinforce similar toxic behaviors
through all layers of the community, creating a sense in the abused that
“this is just the way it is.” Like in all types of abuse, there is a deep culture of
secrets and isolation that perpetuates a sense of hopelessness in trauma
survivors.
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Get help!
Fortunately, we are living in the most trauma-informed age in human
history. There is support available for every type of trauma. Organizations
exist to help you escape abuse and overcome trauma, so you can begin a
new, healthier life.
If you need help, please reach out. If I can’t help resolve your trauma, I can
help you find someone who can. You don’t have to live with lifelong trauma!
Learn more...
To learn more about the Redefining Love Way, I encourage you to browse
the site. Have questions? Feel free to email me at sara@sarabethwald.com,
or schedule a free discovery call.
Related Links
What is Redefining Love?
Boundaries
Accountability
Grace
How we get trapped in toxic circumstances
Toxic Relationships
The Shame Cycle
Dealing with Anger
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