What is Trauma?
Trauma refers to any event or series of events that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It can deeply affect mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health, often making it difficult for individuals to function as they did before the traumatic experience.
Trauma may result from a single incident or ongoing exposure to distressing situations, including developmental and relational trauma—such as prolonged emotional neglect, inconsistent caregiving, or early attachment wounds.
Common Causes of Trauma
Sexual assault and abuse
Domestic or intimate partner violence
Childhood abuse, neglect, or emotional deprivation
Developmental trauma from unstable or critical caregivers
Natural disasters
Financial instability
Food insecurity
Homelessness
Community violence
Medical crises
Traumatic loss or grief
Understanding Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy aimed at helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. The goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where people can confront their trauma and reduce its negative impact on daily life. Approaches I work with include:
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Provides practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and increase distress tolerance.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Focuses on uncovering unconscious patterns formed by early relational experiences and how they continue to affect present emotional life and relationships. Healing often occurs through understanding and working with these patterns in the therapy relationship itself.
Somatic Therapy: Addresses how trauma is stored in the body, helping clients reconnect with physical sensations and develop a sense of safety and grounding.
Each method uses unique techniques but shares the common goal of supporting recovery and improving overall well-being.
Recognizing Trauma: Common Symptoms
Experiencing symptoms after trauma is a natural response to an abnormal event. These may include:
Psychological and Emotional Symptoms
Anxiety, fear, panic attacks
Depression, hopelessness
Shock, denial, confusion
Mood swings, anger, irritability
Shame, guilt, self-blame
Hypervigilance (feeling constantly on edge)
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Social withdrawal and relationship difficulties
Physical Symptoms
Sleep problems or nightmares
Fatigue or exhaustion
Heightened startle response
Trouble concentrating
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Aches, pains, muscle tension
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing trauma. It is marked by symptoms such as:
Flashbacks or intrusive memories
Nightmares or sleep disturbances
Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Hyperarousal (irritability, difficulty relaxing, exaggerated startle response)
Hypervigilance
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Complex PTSD often results from long-term or repeated trauma, especially in close relationships or childhood. It goes beyond typical PTSD symptoms and can include struggles with emotional regulation, self-esteem, trust, and relationships. Many people with developmental or relational trauma experience C-PTSD.
Treatment with psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, and DBT can help rebuild safety, self-understanding, and connection.
Impact of PTSD on Daily Life
PTSD can disrupt relationships, work, and overall well-being. Individuals may withdraw from others, have trouble focusing, and experience physical health problems like chronic pain or headaches. There is also a higher risk of substance abuse and co-occurring mental health issues.
Treatment for PTSD
The good news is that PTSD is treatable. Therapies such as psychodynamic therapy, somatic therapy, and DBT can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Ready to get started?
Reach out by text, call, or email to book a free 15-minute consultation.
📞 (805) 807-9481
📧 Kristina@kristinaradnoti.com
In-person therapy in Santa Barbara + virtual sessions across California and Colorado.