Helping Parts to Heal from Acute Trauma
written by David McCallum
originally published November 1, 2024
Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash
When approaching trauma, it is important to understand that different types require different treatments. Traumas must be addressed according to their specific needs. In your lifetime, you may have experienced a single incident, or acute trauma. Examples of these include car accidents, assault, sudden death of loved ones and acute medical illness. If this is the case, take a moment to recall some of the symptoms that were cued within you during that time. These symptoms are not just cognitive; they have a deeper physical/somatic impact on our system.
You were likely moving between the sympathetic state (i.e. flight) and the dorsal state (i.e. shut down/collapse). In the sympathetic state, parts (e.g. anger, fear, anxiety) quickly amplify within us (i.e. hyperaroused). It is as if we are reliving the event, and we MUST act quickly to help mitigate potential threat (e.g. hyper-vigilance, perfectionism, negativity/criticism, impulsive/compulsive behaviours). Conversely, in a dorsal state, we experience a shut down/collapse response (i.e. hypoaroused). We may dissociate, numb and isolate ourselves as a means of dealing with the threat.
Healing from acute trauma requires a safe environment where the experience can be processed. If support is accessed on time, symptoms can resolve. Therapies such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are shown to be effective in treating symptoms. With IFS, a trained therapist can help facilitate connection between your Core Self and the parts that have been impacted by the trauma. As noted, these parts may feel trapped in their protective roles and are unable to see any alternatives. Your Core Self is that space deep within you that cannot be touched by trauma and grief. Self-energy (i.e., curiosity and compassion) can help extreme parts to soften and deepen a felt sense of safety within your system.
Connection is vital in helping parts to heal, as untreated symptoms can develop into chronic PTSD. If you are experiencing increased distress with your system as a result of a single incident trauma, I hope that you will reach out for connection soon so that your parts can begin their healing journey and experience the freedom they so deserve.
Sources
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems Therapy by Frank Anderson
