What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to an event that is experienced as extremely distressing and overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can involve situations in which there was a real or perceived threat to life or in which severe physical and/or psychological suffering was experienced.
Traumatization can occur not only through personal experiences but also through witnessing situations in which others are harmed, such as serious accidents, natural disasters, violence, abuse, or sudden loss.
Trauma Is Individual
Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by how it is experienced. What one person can cope with may be deeply overwhelming for another.
Traumatization does not only result from extreme events such as war or natural disasters. Emotional injuries, repeated humiliation, chronic fear, neglect, overwhelm, or loss can also lead to deep inner reactions—especially when they occur early in life or persist over a long period of time.
Typical Symptoms of Trauma
After an acute traumatic experience, intense emotional reactions such as fear, inner restlessness, hyperarousal, despair, or emotional numbness are common. These symptoms may subside after a few days, but they can also persist long term.
Possible symptoms include:
- heightened startle response
- inner tension and irritability
- sleep disturbances
- depressive moods
- exhaustion and reduced performance
- physical complaints without a clear medical cause
Unprocessed or dissociated trauma is often stored in the so-called body memory. Affected individuals may experience physical symptoms even though they can no longer consciously connect them to the original event. Emotional stress is then expressed through the body, which may feel tense, unfamiliar, or unsafe.
Types of Trauma
Shock Trauma
Shock trauma results from a single, clearly identifiable event such as an accident, assault, hospitalization, or the sudden loss of a loved one.
Developmental Trauma
Developmental trauma arises from stressful experiences in early childhood that significantly affect emotional, psychological, and social development.
Attachment Trauma
Attachment trauma occurs in childhood through close caregivers. Causes may include emotional or physical neglect, abuse, unpredictability, or sudden separations.
Children often develop deep-rooted feelings of shame, guilt, and the belief of being unlovable.
Relational Trauma
Relational trauma is caused by people outside early childhood caregivers, such as teachers, partners, colleagues, supervisors, or other significant individuals.
Modern Understanding of Trauma
The understanding of trauma has evolved significantly. Trauma is no longer seen solely as a single shocking event. Early attachment experiences and chronic emotional stress can shape the nervous system just as strongly—or even more deeply—than later traumatic events in adulthood.
What Is High Sensitivity?
Approximately 15–20% of the population is considered highly sensitive. High sensitivity is not a disorder, but a personality trait characterized by deeper and more intense processing of internal and external stimuli.
High Sensitivity Is Not a Disorder
Highly sensitive individuals process stimuli more deeply and thoroughly. They often need more rest, withdrawal, and clear boundaries to regulate themselves. Many are introspective, empathetic, and tend toward perfectionism.
Core Characteristics of High Sensitivity
1. Deep Information Processing
Intensive reflection, a strong search for meaning, and deep engagement with values, ethics, spirituality, or dreams.
2. Overstimulation of the Nervous System
Quick overstimulation, stress reactions, and physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or inner restlessness.
3. Emotional Intensity
Strong emotional responses to both positive and negative feelings, including shame, guilt, and fear of abandonment.
4. Sensory Sensitivity
Heightened sensitivity to sounds, light, smells, touch, or substances such as caffeine or medication.
Highly Sensitive or Traumatized?
Although high sensitivity can occur independently of childhood experiences, many highly sensitive individuals have experienced trauma. It is therefore important to explore whether heightened sensitivity is an innate trait or the result of stressful life events.
Hypnosis for Trauma & High Sensitivity
Many highly sensitive individuals feel different and may develop self-doubt or a negative self-image. Hypnotherapy can gently address and resolve the emotional roots of these inner patterns.
The work can involve specific stressful experiences or be conducted without re-experiencing trauma, focusing instead on strengthening regulation and safety in the present moment. The goal is to foster inner security, self-acceptance, and emotional stability.
When you feel you need help with your trauma, please contact me.