Trauma & Developmental Wounds

I classify Trauma as any experience that changes how you view the world, how you view yourself and how you view others. Trauma is a result of adverse experiences and distressing events that disorganize one's sense of safety and reality. Trauma comes in many forms, and is viewed and experienced through the eyes of the beholder. The effects of trauma reverberate beyond the individual, however. Trauma breaks families, destroys relationships and heavily impacts cultures and communities. When left unchecked, unprocessed trauma changes the course of how people grow and develop. It is imperative that people deal with their trauma, because not doing so leads to major complications, including long-term hangups in many areas of life along with symptoms reflective of mental illness and Post-Traumatic, Distress Disorder (PTSD). 

Developmental wounds are relational traumas and experiences that directly change the course of how people develop relationships throughout the course of their lifetime. If you find yourself living stuck within a cycle of unhealthy relational patterns, you may have developmental wounds in your past that are informing how you do relationships. Developmental wounds are traumatic things that happen in the context of relationship, but developmental wounding also occurs because of what did not happen. If individuals do not have what they need for healthy relational growth, safety and belonging, it's going to greatly impact their life stories, and how those stories progress. Thankfully, there are incredible ways to heal these developmental wounds!

Studies have followed the lives and development of individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences of trauma, developmental wounds, abuse, neglect and unmet needs. We have seen that traumatic childhood experiences and developmental wounds totally change the course of development, leading to profound holistic health complications and increased susceptibility to a myriad of issues including mental illness, chronic physical ailments, addiction, violence, relational issues and premature death. However, the impact of adverse childhood experiences can be addressed and remedied through trauma healing and recovery. 

Life can change without warning. Life can change in one single day. Whether positive or negative, major life adjustments and transitions can disorganize one's sense of self and sense of safety. Thankfully, adjustments and transitions can lead to profound growth and change with the right support, but they can also lead to traumatic complications if needs are not met. Trauma healing intensives are an awesome way to work through life-adjustments in order to build resilience. Taking steps toward healing can also change your life in one day.

Complex trauma is classified as a history of repeated traumatic events and adverse experiences that continue to perpetuate a sense of distress, lack of safety and loss of freedom throughout the life of the survivor. Complex trauma is incredibly hard to live with, and is difficult to treat, but individuals can reclaim a sense of safety, and rebuild their lives, becoming strong and resilient despite their experiences and hardships (with the right support). Healing is possible, and it can start today!