An Inclusive Vision of Trauma
When you feel fearful that you won’t be protected, when our leaders abuse the vulnerable without consequence, and when large segments of society—even members of our own inner circle—endorse and encourage this behavior, your shock can turn to numbness.
No. You’re Not Overreacting
It’s understandable that many people today are feeling powerless—betrayed by a country founded on the premise of equality. It’s hard not to see the pendulum swinging back toward the darkness—to a time we hoped that was starting to be behind us.
Though we’ve made great advances in human rights over the last century, the story of humanity continues to be inextricably linked to systems that, as Dr. King said, value people based on “the color of their skin and not the content of their character.” For women, non-Whites, immigrants, and those who do not adhere to rigid gender and sexuality norms, the highly contentious, fluid nature of our cultural landscape can be traumatizing—your safety, freedom, and sense of personal integrity cannot be taken for granted.
The Impact of Our Political Climate on Existing Trauma
Experiences of oppression are not always recognized by those in control as valid traumatic experiences because these systems work to silence the voices of their victims. For those outside the dominant power structure, our political climate can trigger acute anxiety and flashbacks related to:
Violence perpetrated by police and the criminal justice system
Loss of control over your body and loss of reproductive medical rights
Fear of deportation and loss of rights to legally pursue citizenship
Loss of marital rights or arrest for expression of non-heteronormative sexuality
Abuse suffered at the hands of bullies and other abusers
Persecution based on gender identification or gender fluidity
Sexual violence and exploitation
Social and occupational controls based on race, nationality, gender, sexuality, and gender identification biases
Is Everyone Traumatized?
There’s no lack of everyday emotional challenges that have nothing to do with trauma. It’s not as though trauma is literally everywhere—sometimes incredibly difficult problems arise in response to a situation like parenting in the midst of the pandemic or unrealistic work demands. What’s more, no one gets through life without some amount of sadness and pain. Many people are born with greater burdens and fewer opportunities. That doesn’t mean having fewer privileges and freedoms automatically results in trauma or that every hurt and setback causes PTSD.
That said, many of our current parameters around what constitutes a traumatizing experience are limiting.
Benefits to Expanding Our Vision of Trauma
Paradoxically, expanding our vision of traumatic experience does not confine a survivor to the realm of the doomed, but rather expands our potential for understanding—opening new paths to healing. Normalizing these experiences decreases the isolation that plagues trauma survivors and reduces deep-seated feelings of shame that go hand-in-hand with trauma and PTSD.
You may have questions or concerns about PTSD and Trauma Recovery
I can’t afford trauma therapy
I can help you to utilize your insurance to reduce the cost of treatment. If you are confused about your insurance coverage, I retain a medical billing assistant who can answer questions and walk you through the steps to obtain reimbursement for treatment. At the end of the day, research has demonstrated that treatment for PTSD and trauma is an investment in your well-being. It pays for itself many times over in improved heath, increased focus, and greater life satisfaction.
I’m really busy. I can’t make time for trauma therapy
If you’re like most people who come to my practice, you already spend an inordinate amount of time with unproductive strategies to cope with symptoms of PTSD or trauma. Given work and travel schedules, it can often be difficult to squeeze everything in. But if you could sleep better, stop fixating on past trauma, and focus more fully on your work and relationships, you will find that setting aside some extra time to work on yourself provides tangible benefits.
Please don’t wait one more day to start feeling better. Contact me now—I’d like to help.
Let’s talk about how I can help you make a positive change. Call me now at 415-350-9611 for a confidential phone intake. If you’re not comfortable talking on the phone, you can email me at timlewispsyd@gmail.com.
