The Impact of Trauma on Our Sense of Safety and Security and the Importance of Trauma-Informed Care

"Everything is going great! But for some reason I just can't seem to feel okay."

Have you ever found yourself thinking or expressing this or something similar? It can feel somewhat unsettling that, even though things may be going well, there is a felt sense that everything is falling apart, or on the verge of it. You may be receiving excellent feedback from your supervisor, yet you struggle to shake feeling like a failure. Even though you receive lots of compliments, you may look in the mirror and see only imperfections.

Some clients have described this experience as feeling "disconnected". Others explain it as feeling as if they are living two different lives. This makes sense when we consider that trauma leads us to experience dual realities simultaneously. Let me explain.

The term "trauma" often brings to mind specific events, like accidents or assaults. However, it includes a wide range of experiences, such as losing a loved one, facing chronic abuse, abandonment or neglect, or living in a stressful environment. Each of these scenarios form memories from which we make sense of the ourselves, others, and the world. Memories are our brain's way of conceptualizing and organizing past events. However, if traumatic memories are unaddressed, we essentially carry the past around with us in the present as if it is still relevant in the here and now. I elaborate on this in the video below.

Durel Williams, MSW RSW, EMDR Certified Therapist explains "trauma".

Given this understanding of trauma and memory, it is probable that instances of disconnect or fragmentation of one's identity occur when a person is engaging with their past self, along with all the related emotions, beliefs, coping mechanisms, and bodily sensations, while simultaneously acknowledging the realities of their present self. In other words, if you have a trauma history, you are likely moving through the world as if it is as unsafe or unstable as your past, even though it isn't.

Rebuilding a Sense of Safety Through Trauma-Informed Care

Despite these challenges, it is possible to restore one's sense of safety in order to feel more integrated again using trauma-informed care. Trauma-focused treatment approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Repropressing (EMDR) Therapy and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) are specifically designed to help clients resolve unhealed traumas. As a matter of fact, most trauma-informed approaches include protocols and strategies that support clients with building emotion-regulation and distress-tolerance skills. Effective trauma-informed therapy considers the importance of re-establishing a client's sense of safety (physical, psychologial, and relational), and offers effective and appropriate grounding techniques that help them stay present while regulating their emotions when triggered.

Final Thoughts on Healing and Safety

Feeling disconnected despite everything going well is a common experience, often linked to unhealed trauma. Trauma isn't just about major events; it encompasses various experiences that shape our perception of the world and ourselves.

There is no shame in acknowledging the profound impact of trauma on our everyday lives. In the pursuit of healing, individuals should recognize their trauma experiences and seek support. Every journey is unique, but with understanding and help, navigating trauma's complexities can restore a sense of safety and completeness.

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If you would like to discuss your therapeutic needs, and would like to explore the possibility of starting therapy, feel free to contact Heartspring Therapy by calling 416-688-5274, or by booking a free initial consult at heartspringtherapy.ca/book-online. 

If you are having thoughts of suicide or self harm, or having strong urges to harm someone else, please contact 911, a crisis line, or go to the nearest hospital. You may also contact the Mental Health distress line by dialling 9-8-8.