What is trauma? It is defined as the result of experiencing a situation that is perceived as unsustainable or overwhelming, making it difficult to process appropriately.
Some situations, such as violence, sexual abuse or natural disasters, are easily recognizable as traumatic due to the imminent danger they represent to our lives.
However, there are other experiences that, at first glance, may go unnoticed as traumatic, but that, due to their repetition or the way in which they are lived, can also leave a deep mark. This is where the concept of lowercase “t” trauma arises.
This type of trauma can manifest itself in seemingly harmless situations that are repeated frequently. For example, hurtful comments from a family member, pranks at school, the feeling of being repeatedly abandoned or not receiving attention when needed.
Regardless of whether trauma is capitalized or lowercase, the body often sends signs or symptoms to indicate that something has not been processed properly.
These symptoms can include anxiety, hypervigilance, sudden mood swings, low self-esteem, panic attacks, feelings of disconnection, addictive behaviors, chronic fatigue, and depressive symptoms, among others. They can arise immediately or manifest gradually over time, varying in intensity and persistence.
During Gestalt therapy sessions, we explore and can reach all the way to the root of these symptoms. Our body has memory and retains all unresolved experiences. By paying attention to it and providing it with the necessary time and space, we can begin to process and heal what has been left unconcluded.
Whether we call it trauma or simply unfinished business, the important is to become aware of these emotional wounds and give the attention they need so we can live in harmony and peace with ourselves.
Part of the information in this article is based on my personal notes from the workshop “Techniques for Trauma Treatment (use of Interhemispheric Glasses)” led by Mercedes Bolívar, complemented with various reference sources on trauma and neuroscience.
