A Brief History of Trauma

We have learned a lot about treating trauma since PTSD was first introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1980. The condition was conceptualized to diagnose and treat veterans suffering from what was formerly known as "shell shock." The women's movement and clinicians like Judith Herman helped us see that not only combat but abuse can also result in PTSD.

Some say that we are in a golden age of neuroscience. At the same time, it seems the more we know, the more we realize we don't know. It can be hard for a counselor such as myself to keep up with all of the advances in the field. Perhaps the most encouraging news is regarding the changeable nature of the mind, referred to as neuroplasticity. In a nutshell, we now believe that we can rewire our brains- just as the brain is hurt from trauma, it can heal from it.

In trauma treatment, we rewire our minds by practicing safe coping in the present when we feel dis/stressed and then, once we have a few safe coping tools under our belt, processing the traumatic memories of the past. We can think of trauma treatment in three phases: present, past, and future. By practicing safe coping in the present, we are then able to process the past. By processing the past, we are then able to create the future we desire by living out our values.

When I say process, I mean desensitize the traumatic memory. Becoming able to stay grounded in the presence of triggers. For example, a survivor of physical abuse may have learned to numb out or shut down as a coping strategy. In her life after abuse, confrontations may continue to trigger this so called freeze response. With treatment, she can learn to stay with herself and respond how she chooses.

The vast majority of people with PTSD don't get the help they need. Common obstacles include fears that it won't work or what people might think. The truth is, if you are able to stay in treatment, whether it's individual or group therapy, it can help you feel better- whether or not PTSD has been diagnosed. Are people "cured" from PTSD? Certain treatments have proven track records of helping most people who complete them. The hardest thing is getting in treatment and staying there.

I look forward to sharing more with you about advances in the field, including more about the specific treatments I referenced, in future posts. If you or someone you know has been impacted by trauma, have hope. Effective treatments exist. The hardest part is behind you. From here on out, it's establishing safety, putting away the past, and truly living your life. You are much more than your trauma.