How to talk about trauma the right way

Trauma is a life-changing, deeply personal experience. Its effect on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being can last forever. Talking about a traumatic experience can be challenging whether you are the victim or not. Most people avoid therapy for a long time because of this. But talking is a crucial step in the healing process. If you have experienced a traumatic event, the right step is to seek help through counseling. If face-to-face counseling is daunting, choosing an e-counseling clinic offers the same benefits. You will have a safe and supportive environment to share your experience. It will put you on the path to healing and reclaiming your life.

How to Talk About Trauma in Counselling

It is normal to feel ready to talk about the experience but unsure how to go about it. If you feel this way, you are not alone. It is not easy for trauma victims to open up. Below, we share some tips on talking about traumatic events in counseling. 

Tell the counselor how you feel

Counseling is the first step to healing if you are traumatized. It is important to communicate during this step. Honesty about your emotions can be tough, especially with difficult topics. However, opening up lessens the intensity of the emotions. Then it becomes less difficult to talk about the traumatic event. The more you repress your feelings, the stronger they grow. This deepens the effect of the trauma. Also, it is good to let the counselor know you feel anxious or overwhelmed about talking. Not only does it reduce the intensity, but it also lets them know how to help you more effectively. 

Speak at your pace

When getting counseling, some people may feel they have to start talking about the event immediately. However, you can decide how and when to share the story. You can also decide how much you want to share at each stage. If sharing parts of the story at the beginning is comfortable, do that. As time passes, you can open up and share the rest of the story. The most important thing is feeling emotionally comfortable discussing the event.

Breaks are allowed

Sometimes, you may feel ready to discuss the trauma. But once you start talking, it gets difficult to continue. Do not feel pressured to keep going. It is okay to ask the counselor or therapist for a break if you feel uncomfortable during the process.

Use alternative communication means if necessary 

If verbal communication is too difficult, using other means can be helpful. For example, if you reach a part of the story that is too difficult to discuss, you can write about it instead. Using artwork or songs is also helpful means of communicating. These methods may not replace talking, but they can help you feel comfortable talking about the trauma.

Talking about trauma is tough for everyone involved. It is a deeply personal ordeal. And the only way to discuss it is in a way that feels comfortable for the victim. You should not be rushed or pressured. Remember that healing is a process. Being compassionate and kind to yourself benefits the process.