Communication

When we experience trauma, whether it is by a single event such as a car jacking or a robbery or it is by complex trauma, the drip, drip, drip of everyday neglect or verbal or emotional abuse, make it hard for us to hold on to our conversation skills. This not only affects our close relations, it generalizes out into our environment producing difficulty to interconnect with others.

Hyperarousal, a symptom of trauma, affects our ability to be present and in the moment with others. You may not know what to say or how to say it because your brain has been hijacked. You may be scanning conversations with others for incoming threats, making it difficult to concentrate on forming responses. It can be safer to become defensive, stonewall, or simply walk away.

It is important for the injured person to learn to trust their ability to stay safe, to calm the brain, and to hone communication skills that reflect what your true needs and wants are. Learning what your communication style is and how to increase your ability to calmly and effectively state your beliefs is important in recovery. In my office we will discuss the difference between responding and reacting.