“The process of dissociation is an elegant mechanism built into the human psychological system as a form of escape from (sometimes literally) going crazy. The problem with checking out so thoroughly is that it can leave us feeling dead inside, with little or no ability to feel our feelings in our bodies. The process of repair demands a re-association with the body, a commitment to dive into the body and feel today what we couldn’t feel yesterday because it was too dangerous.” 
― Alexandra Katehakis

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Psychotherapy or counselling for trauma and abuse

Most people whether they know it or not have experienced trauma, to a greater or lesser extent. Those who seek psychotherapy or counselling due to trauma may have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse as a child or an adult, or may have gone through an experience that may have been traumatic but may not have involved abuse. Examples of this latter type include adoption (for some), or trauma due to life threatening events such as illness or accidents. Symptoms of trauma vary, but may include dissociation (as in the quote above), or intense reactions to reminders of the trauma. It is common for people who have suffered a trauma to go to great lengths to avoid similar events. Sometimes people use alcohol or drugs to avoid the painful feelings that are part of trauma. People can and do recover from trauma. Often it is helpful to have the support of trustworthy non-judgemental people. A good support network may include a professional who is knowledgeable about recovery from trauma.

Seeking psychotherapy or counselling for trauma can be a scary and confusing step to take. It is important that you feel as empowered as possible in this process. This includes, if you wish, having an initial meeting with one or a handful or psychotherapists or counsellors in order to decide who you can trust enough to do the psychological work of trauma recovery with. Working through a trauma often (but does not always) involves talking about some of the memories in a way that makes them more bearable, and reduces the impact of the past on your present. Your counsellor or therapist will help you to do this talking through in a gradual way, and may also work on other issues with you or help you build practical skills to make this process more manageable. Processing trauma through therapy and counselling can be difficult, but in the long run it is usually much easier than not doing so, and therefore living with the aftereffects of the trauma. 

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