Unseen Trauma: Recognising the Invisible Impact

Unseen Trauma: Recognising the Invisible Impact

By Karl deSouza (Director and Lead Psychotherapist – Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy Pte Ltd)

Trauma is often associated with extreme events like rape, combat experiences, or witnessing a murder. However, trauma can be much more subtle and pervasive, often manifesting in ways that are easily overlooked. As a therapist, I frequently encounter clients who have been labeled as lazy, unmotivated, or struggling with addictions and relationship issues. What is often missed is the underlying trauma driving these behaviors.

Invisible Symptoms of Trauma:

  1. Laziness: A person who appears lazy might actually be struggling with the aftereffects of trauma. For example, a student labeled as lazy for not completing assignments may be dealing with unresolved trauma that makes it hard for them to focus or find motivation.
  2. Procrastination: Chronic procrastination is another symptom that can be rooted in trauma. An employee who consistently delays tasks might be paralyzed by underlying anxiety or fear stemming from past traumatic experiences.
  3. Relationship Issues: Individuals who find themselves repeatedly in unhealthy relationships may be experiencing an attachment wound from childhood. This wound can cause them to unconsciously seek out relationships that mirror their early experiences, perpetuating a cycle of hurt.
  4. Addictions: Addictions often serve as coping mechanisms for trauma. Someone struggling with substance abuse, gambling, or internet addiction might be using these behaviors to numb the pain of unresolved trauma.

As a therapist, I often see parents, teachers, and employers blame individuals for these behaviors without understanding the deeper issues at play. The person under their care might internalize these labels, believing they are inherently bad or failing, which only exacerbates their struggles.

Understanding Trauma Responses:Trauma can create deep-seated wounds, particularly in relationships. These wounds shape how individuals view themselves and the world around them. They can lead to behaviors and patterns that are actually responses to trauma, rather than character flaws. For example:

  • A child who grows up in a chaotic home may become hyper-vigilant and struggle to relax, which can be misinterpreted as laziness.
  • Someone who experienced neglect might procrastinate because they were never taught healthy ways to manage tasks and emotions.
  • A person with an attachment wound might repeatedly choose partners who are emotionally unavailable, mirroring the relationships they experienced growing up.

At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, we recognize the profound impact of unseen trauma. Our certified trauma therapists are trained in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, IFS, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing (SE). These techniques help unlock the chains of trauma, allowing clients to heal and move forward with their lives.

Unlocking the Chain of Trauma:Our approach is holistic and tailored to each individual’s needs. By addressing the root causes of their behaviors and patterns, we help clients understand that their struggles are not personal failings but responses to trauma. This understanding is the first step towards healing.

If you or someone you know is struggling with behaviors that seem unexplainable, it may be time to consider the possibility of underlying trauma. At Listening Ear Counselling & Consultancy, we are here to help you navigate this journey and find a path to healing.

For more information on our services

Visit our website https://listeningearclinic.com/services

#UnseenTrauma #MentalHealth #Therapy #EMDR #IFS #Brainspotting #SomaticExperiencing #HealingJourney #TraumaTherapy #MentalWellness #AttachmentWounds #AddictionRecovery #Procrastination #Laziness #RelationshipIssues #EmotionalHealing #ListeningEarCounselling

References. 

  1. Richter-Levin, G., Sandi, C. Title: “Labels Matter: Is it stress or is it Trauma?”. Transl Psychiatry 11, 385 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-021-01514-4
  2. Danese A, van Harmelen AL. The hidden wounds of childhood trauma. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2017 Oct 17;8(sup5):137584. doi: 10.1080/20008198.2017.1375840. PMID: 29152161; PMCID: PMC5678436.
  3. Nelson CA, Scott RD, Bhutta ZA, Harris NB, Danese A, Samara M. Adversity in childhood is linked to mental and physical health throughout life. BMJ. 2020 Oct 28;371:m3048. doi: 10.1136/bmj.m3048. PMID: 33115717; PMCID: PMC7592151.

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