How we define a traumatic event all depends on how these events impact our daily lives.
Events happen all the time. We then filter the event in our minds and do our best to make sense of the events. For example, there was this one time when I was getting ready for a show. I was sitting on my horse, watching people in the ring practicing. Suddenly there was a loud noise, and one horse stood up on his hind legs. It then fell completely over backward in the exact second! At that very moment, there was another loud noise, but a different one. It sounded like a big crack or snap. The horse had landed squarely on the rider. The horse got up, but the rider did not.
People ran into the ring to help the rider lying on the ground and to help the horse that was now running around the ring. It took a few minutes for these events to register in my brain fully. But I soon realized I was not breathing and was just transfixed on what had happened. The rider was taken to the hospital and did fully recover. The snap we all heard was the rider’s pelvic bone breaking.
One of a rider’s worst fears is when horses stand up with them. This is because if they are not well balanced or the rider does not stay balanced, then they are likely to fall over on you, the rider. I still remember that noise and the sound it made. I have not forgotten my fear for a while. Not knowing if the rider would be okay. Or, even if I would be okay.
What Even is the Definition of a Traumatic Event?
I’ve asked myself “Does this qualify as a traumatic event even if I was not directly involved in the event?” But I first think we need to cover what even the definition of a traumatic event is. Well, according to Merriman Webster’s Dictionary,
Trauma is:
1a: an injury (such as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent
b: a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury
c: an emotional upset the personal trauma of an executive who is not living up to his expectations— Karen W. Arenson
2: an agent, force, or mechanism that causes trauma
However, according to the APA the definition of trauma is:
“Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer-term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.”
We define trauma based on how these events impact our daily lives.
So, in some ways, trauma is very personal. Then in other ways, it is easy to define. When we have a bruise, cuts, or broken bones, we know that something has happened to us. That we will need to heal. However, what if it is something less visible? Like watching a traumatic event. Or, what if someone said something to you constantly to the point you doubt yourself or think less of yourself? These wounds are less visible. However, they become our thoughts about ourselves.
So, What Do We Do if We Have Witnessed Something?
Maybe, we have even been hit or hurt by something or someone. Or, maybe we doubt ourselves constantly without really knowing why or don’t remember a specific event to cause this doubt. For example, if we play a sport that we are passionate about and play frequently, we will likely have some traumatic events. These possible experiences may be similar to the one described at the beginning.
Some will have a profound effect on our behavior and thoughts. Some will have a less noticeable effect, at least in the being. However, if we do nothing about these memories, they will likely start to show up when we least need them or want them to. Healing from them is achievable. Just like we have a wound, we want to recover. We can also recover from unseen wounds or wounds to our self-esteem or self-worth.
Therapy is One of the Best Ways to Help Heal From the Wounds of Trauma.
We know this on some level, and yet we often think therapy will not assist. Or, we chalk it up to “It’s not that bad.” However, some people struggle with the thought “ I will be seen as weak if I get treatment for this situation.” So, how do you know when to seek treatment? And will online therapy be successful in treating trauma?
Three signs you may want to seek a therapist about trauma
- You’re constantly reliving the event in your mind. You’re thinking about the event constantly. Seeing the event freshly in your mind even when doing something completely unrelated. Perhaps, you have frequent nightmares or dreams about it and often feel as if the event just happened.
- Significant changes in your routine or daily habits result from the event. It is normal to make changes because of a traumatic event as we heal. We walk on crutches if we break a leg or sprain an ankle, and generally, this is for a set period while the leg or injury heals. The same is valid for adjusting and compensating for an event; however, making adjustments permanent or for an extended period may indicate that we need to address the changes.
- Finding yourself losing hope in the future and constantly worrying about things that have not happened yet. This could also be indicative of needing therapy to help cope with the new intense feelings of waiting for the other shoe to drop. The constant feeling of being on edge will affect the body, your relationships, and your ability to do the things you want.
Therapy Can Help Mitigate These Trauma Symptoms.
Therapy can allow us to find new coping skills, and allow us to heal from all our wounds. Suppose you are losing or unable to sleep because of the constant reliving of the event. Therapy, such as EMDR Therapy, may be able to help reprocess these events and the nightmares. So, you can begin the healing process. Another approach is the Internal Family System (IFS). It looks at the different parts of ourselves and how they are affected by circumstances.
IFS is very complimentary to EMDR and will allow for a much deeper understanding of the self and the different parts that work to help us in our lives. Our different parts are described as our different voices, sensations, or thoughts. It is important to remember that our parts always work for our benefit and want to be helpful. Therapy such as EMDR, IFS, and other treatment modalities may allow us to heal these wounded parts and not need crutches.
Now the Question Becomes “ What do I do if I do not have time to see a therapist?”
This can be because of time at work or because you’re busy. Or, maybe you don’t want people to know you’re seeing a therapist. The tradition of going to the office is sometimes best and necessary; however, telehealth or online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy.
It addresses the concerns many of us have about not going to treatment. You will need a computer or phone, a decent internet connection, and somewhere private to talk for online therapy to work. The relationship with the therapist and the willingness to face complex problems will be necessary with either in-person or online therapy. EMDR, IFS, and other modalities can be done online and help with trauma.
Wanting to Change Your Life and Face the Cause of the Problems in Online Trauma Therapy?
If your traumatic event is from equestrian sports, there is a way to heal and feel better. To ride better. If it is from a different type of event, there is a way to heal, feel better, and live better. We can heal. We must allow ourselves to do this and feel better physically and emotionally.
If you are looking for a way to handle an event, contact me about online therapy for trauma, equestrian sports, or other types of trauma.
Begin Trauma Therapy in Richmond, VA
You don’t have to suffer from the effects of trauma alone. We understand the many ways trauma can manifest, and we would be honored to support you in overcoming them. You can receive support from the comfort of your home via online therapy from our, Virginia-based therapy practice. To start your therapy journey, please follow these simple steps:
- Contact us by calling to schedule a free consultation
- Check out our FAQs and read more about us
- Begin healing from past trauma today!
Other Services Offered with Gray Horse Counseling
Trauma therapy is only one of the many mental health services we offer at our Powhatan, VA counseling practice. We are available for in-person help in Powhatan and online in Virginia. Our other services at Gray Horse Counseling include individual therapy, group therapy, equine sports, clinical supervision, anxiety and depression, and more. Check out our FAQs, read about us, and contact us today to get the help you deserve!