Trauma can leave long-lasting impacts, and trigger exposure can lead to painful emotions. Healing from trauma triggers does not happen overnight and takes time, self-reflection, and the appropriate support system. Trauma counselling, particularly trauma-informed counselling, can assist one in taking control and establishing positive coping strategies. Either generic counselling services or NDIS-trained counsellors, professional assistance is a good starting point to heal.
Understanding Trauma Triggers
A trauma trigger is any trigger—a smell, a sound, a situation, or a memory—that brings about a traumatic recollection from the past. They have the capability of causing emotional suffering, nervousness, or even a bodily response. Freedom from them can begin with recognition by taking the initial step towards noticing such triggers.
Strategies to Overcome Trauma Triggers
Identify Your Triggers
In order to better cope with trauma triggers, one needs to start by understanding what situations, individuals, or settings trigger distress. Keeping a record of times when you become triggered can also assist in identifying patterns and certain triggers.
Develop Coping Strategies
Coping strategies reduce the impact of triggers. Deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and grounding techniques are some of the methods that can help take control when a trigger is experienced.
Access Trauma-Informed Counselling
Trauma-informed counselling is a safe space to work through issues in the past. Trained counsellors understand the impact of trauma on the brain and body and apply techniques well adapted to each client. General counselling services can offer tailored ways to cope with triggers in a useful manner.
 Use NDIS Counsellor Support
For NDIS funded individuals, having access to an NDIS counsellor can provide targeted assistance. NDIS support coordinators can link people into the appropriate counselling services most suited to each individual’s need, providing individualised support for breaking through trauma triggers.
Build a Support Network
Having supportive peer groups, family, or friends around an individual can make one feel safe and heard. Professional networks and support groups such as NDIS funded independent living programs and disability housing services can also offer more stability to the individual experiencing trauma.
The Role of Professional Counselling Services
General counselling provides a wide scope of emotional and psychological care, whereas trauma counselling is for previous traumatic experiences. Trauma-informed counselling is of a type where the clients are provided with empathetic care with sensitivity to the effect of trauma and empowering them to recover at their own pace.
Wrapping Up
It takes time, dedication, and exposure to the proper support to overcome triggers of trauma. Identifying triggers, developing coping skills, being familiar with trauma-informed counselling, and being linked to support networks will improve resilience and  help them regain control over their lives. If you and/or the person with you is struggling with trauma, contact me today for an effective trauma informed counselling.
