Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Structure can be important for trauma survivors. Trauma can disrupt a person’s sense of safety, control, and predictability, and having a structured environment or routine can help restore a sense of stability and order. Here are a few reasons why structure can be beneficial for trauma survivors:

Predictability and Safety: Trauma often involves a loss of control and a feeling of unpredictability. A structured environment provides a predictable routine, which can create a sense of safety and security for survivors.

Establishing Boundaries: Structure can help in setting clear boundaries, which is crucial for individuals who may have experienced violations of personal boundaries during traumatic events. Consistent routines can contribute to a sense of control over personal space and time.

Reducing Anxiety: Trauma survivors may experience heightened anxiety, and having a structured routine can help reduce anxiety by providing a sense of order and stability. Knowing what to expect can be comforting and reassuring.

Building Trust: Trust is often compromised during traumatic experiences. A structured and consistent environment can contribute to the rebuilding of trust by creating a dependable and reliable context.

Coping Mechanism: Having a structured routine can serve as a coping mechanism. It provides a framework for managing daily tasks and activities, making it easier for individuals to focus on their goals and responsibilities.

Self-Care: Structure can support the development of healthy habits and self-care routines. This can be especially important for trauma survivors who may struggle with self-regulation and self-nurturing.

It’s important to note that while structure can be beneficial, individual preferences and needs vary. Some individuals may prefer more flexibility, and it’s essential to tailor the level of structure to the specific needs of the person. Additionally, trauma survivors may benefit from therapeutic interventions and support to address the emotional and psychological aspects of their experiences. Professional guidance can help survivors develop coping strategies and resilience in the process of healing.

Shervan K Shahhian

Setting boundaries with trauma survivors requires sensitivity, empathy, and a deep understanding of the impact that trauma can have on individuals. Here are some guidelines to consider when setting boundaries with trauma survivors:

Educate Yourself:

• Learn about the specific type of trauma the individual has experienced.
• Understand common triggers and reactions associated with trauma.

Communicate Clearly and Directly:

• Use clear and direct communication when discussing boundaries.
• Avoid ambiguous language and be explicit about your expectations.

Ask for Input:

• Encourage open communication by asking the survivor about their comfort levels and preferences regarding boundaries.
• Respect their input and incorporate it into your interactions.

Be Flexible:

• Recognize that individuals may have different comfort levels at different times.
• Be flexible and willing to adjust boundaries as needed.

Establish Consistent Boundaries:

• Provide a sense of predictability by establishing consistent and reliable boundaries.
• Consistency helps build trust, which is crucial for trauma survivors.

Respect Personal Space:

• Be mindful of physical and emotional boundaries.
• Ask for permission before entering someone’s personal space, and respect their need for distance.

Create a Safe Environment:

• Foster an environment that feels safe and supportive.
• Ensure confidentiality and let the survivor know they can trust you.

Set Realistic Expectations:

• Recognize the survivor’s limitations and set realistic expectations.
• Avoid pressuring them into activities or discussions that may be overwhelming.

Monitor Your Own Boundaries:

• Be aware of your own boundaries and ensure you are not inadvertently crossing them.
• Seek supervision or support if you find yourself struggling with the dynamics of the relationship.

Provide Resources:

• Offer information about support services, counseling, or other resources that may benefit the survivor.
• Encourage them to seek professional help if needed.

Self-Care for Both Parties:

• Both you and the survivor need to prioritize self-care.
• Acknowledge your own emotional boundaries and seek support if necessary.

Be Patient:

• Healing from trauma takes time, and individuals may need time to adjust to different boundaries.
• Be patient and understanding throughout the process.

Remember, each person’s experience of trauma is unique, so it’s essential to approach setting boundaries with empathy and a willingness to adapt based on the individual’s needs. If you are unsure about how to navigate certain situations, consulting with a mental health professional or seeking supervision can be valuable.

Shervan K Shahhian

Respecting the personal space and boundaries of trauma survivors is crucial. Trauma can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being, and everyone copes with it differently. Here are some general guidelines to consider:

Ask for Consent: Before delving into personal topics or asking about someone’s experiences, it’s essential to ask for their consent. Not everyone is comfortable discussing their trauma, and pushing them to do so can be retraumatizing.

Listen Without Judgment: If someone does choose to share their experiences, listen attentively and without judgment. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or opinions. Sometimes, survivors simply need someone to listen and validate their feelings.

Respect Triggers: Be mindful of potential triggers and sensitive topics. If you’re aware of certain triggers, try to avoid bringing them up, and be prepared to change the subject if needed.

Give Space: Recognize when someone needs space or time alone. Trauma survivors may have moments when they need solitude or simply don’t want to engage in certain discussions.

Educate Yourself: Learn about trauma and its effects to better understand what survivors might be going through. This knowledge can help you be more empathetic and sensitive to their needs.

Be Patient: Healing from trauma is a gradual process. Be patient and supportive, understanding that everyone has their own pace and ways of coping.

Offer Support: Let the survivor know that you’re there for them and willing to offer support if they need it. However, avoid pressuring them to accept help if they’re not ready.

Remember, it’s crucial to approach conversations about trauma with empathy, sensitivity, and a genuine desire to support the person. If you’re unsure about whether to bring up certain topics or if you’re concerned about someone’s well-being, it may be helpful to seek guidance from mental health professionals who can provide expert advice.

Shervan K Shahhian

Trauma survivors may experience difficulty expressing their emotions for various reasons. Trauma can have profound effects on an individual’s psychological and emotional well-being, and these effects can manifest in different ways. Here are some reasons why trauma survivors might struggle with expressing their emotions:

Fear of Re-experiencing Trauma: Trauma survivors may fear that expressing their emotions will trigger a re-experiencing of the traumatic event or bring back overwhelming emotions. This fear can lead them to suppress their feelings as a coping mechanism.

Shame and Guilt: Survivors may experience feelings of shame or guilt related to the traumatic event, which can make it challenging for them to openly share their emotions. They may fear judgment or blame from others, contributing to a reluctance to express themselves.

Emotional Numbness: Some trauma survivors may experience emotional numbness as a way to protect themselves from overwhelming feelings. This numbness can make it difficult for them to identify and express their emotions, as they may have become disconnected from their emotional experiences.

Lack of Trust: Trauma often involves a betrayal of trust, and survivors may find it challenging to trust others with their emotions. Fear of being misunderstood, judged, or rejected may lead them to keep their feelings to themselves.

Difficulty Verbalizing Feelings: Trauma can impact cognitive functions, including the ability to articulate and express emotions verbally. Survivors may struggle to find the right words or may feel that words are inadequate to convey the depth of their experiences.

Coping Mechanisms: Individuals who have experienced trauma may develop various coping mechanisms to deal with the distressing emotions. These mechanisms may include avoidance of emotional expression as a way to maintain a sense of control and self-protection.

It’s important to note that the impact of trauma varies among individuals, and not everyone responds in the same way. Some trauma survivors may be more comfortable expressing their emotions, while others may find it challenging. Creating a safe and supportive environment, fostering trust, and encouraging professional help when needed can be essential in helping trauma survivors navigate their emotional experiences.

Shervan K Shahhian

Always consult your Medical Doctor (MD): The body’s stress response, often referred to as the “fight or flight” response, involves the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are released to prepare the body to respond to a perceived threat. In the context of stress, the body may prioritize energy storage and conservation, and one way it does this is by promoting the storage of fat.

Here’s how it works:

Increased Appetite: Stress can lead to an increase in appetite, especially for foods that are high in sugar and fat. This can result in overeating and an increase in calorie intake.

Cortisol Release: Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” is released in response to stress. One of cortisol’s functions is to increase the availability of glucose in the bloodstream to provide a quick source of energy.

Insulin Response: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to an increase in insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen, primarily in the liver and muscles. When these storage areas are full, excess glucose is converted into fat and stored in adipose tissue.

Fat Storage: Cortisol also promotes the storage of fat, especially visceral fat (fat stored around the abdominal organs). This type of fat is more metabolically active and can be quickly converted into energy when needed.

Metabolic Changes: Chronic stress can lead to metabolic changes that favor fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. This can contribute to weight gain over time.

It’s important to note that individual responses to stress can vary, and not everyone will experience significant changes in appetite or weight during times of stress. Additionally, factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health play a role in how the body responds to stress.

Managing stress through healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress-reducing activities, can help mitigate some of these effects on the body.

Shervan K Shahhian

The idea that trauma can be passed down through generations is a concept known as transgenerational or intergenerational trauma. While the scientific understanding of this phenomenon is still evolving, there is some evidence suggesting that the effects of trauma may be transmitted across generations, both through genetic and environmental factors.

Here are some key points to consider:

Epigenetics: Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Some studies suggest that exposure to trauma can lead to changes in gene expression that may be passed down to offspring. These changes in gene expression, known as epigenetic modifications, can potentially influence how the body responds to stress.

Animal Studies: Some animal studies have provided evidence for the transgenerational transmission of trauma. For example, researchers have observed behavioral and physiological changes in the offspring of animals exposed to traumatic experiences.

Human Studies: In humans, research on Holocaust survivors and their descendants has indicated potential transgenerational effects. Studies have found differences in stress hormone levels, mental health outcomes, and even changes in DNA methylation patterns in the descendants of Holocaust survivors.

Social and Environmental Factors: It’s important to note that the transmission of trauma is not solely dependent on genetic factors. Environmental and social influences, such as parenting styles, family dynamics, and cultural factors, also play a crucial role in shaping a person’s response to stress and trauma.

Critiques and Controversies: While there is some evidence supporting the idea of transgenerational trauma, it is a complex and debated topic in the scientific community. Some researchers emphasize the importance of considering other factors that contribute to the transmission of trauma, and caution against oversimplifying the relationship between genetics and trauma.

In conclusion, the concept of transgenerational trauma is intriguing and has generated interest in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and genetics. However, it is essential to approach this topic with a nuanced understanding, recognizing the multifaceted nature of trauma and the various factors that contribute to its transmission across generations.

Shervan K Shahhian

A Clinical Trauma Specialist is a mental health professional who specializes in working with individuals who have experienced trauma. Trauma can result from various sources, such as accidents, violence, abuse, natural disasters, or other distressing events. The role of a Clinical Trauma Specialist involves assessing, treating, and supporting individuals who are dealing with the psychological and emotional effects of trauma.

Here are some key responsibilities and activities of a Clinical Trauma Specialist:

Assessment: Conducting thorough assessments to understand the nature and extent of the trauma experienced by an individual. This may involve gathering information about the traumatic event, assessing the person’s emotional and psychological well-being, and identifying any symptoms of trauma-related disorders.

Diagnosis: Formulating a diagnosis based on the assessment findings, which may include conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related disorders.

Treatment Planning: Developing a customized treatment plan that addresses the specific needs and symptoms of the individual. Treatment plans may include various therapeutic approaches and interventions.

Trauma-Informed Therapy: Providing trauma-informed therapy, which involves utilizing therapeutic approaches that are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Common therapeutic modalities may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), among others.

Crisis Intervention: Offering immediate support and intervention for individuals who are in crisis or experiencing acute distress related to trauma. This may involve helping them manage overwhelming emotions, ensuring their safety, and connecting them with appropriate resources.

Education and Psychoeducation: Educating individuals and their families about the impact of trauma, coping mechanisms, and the therapeutic process. Psychoeducation helps clients better understand their experiences and equips them with tools to manage symptoms.

Advocacy: Advocating for clients’ needs and rights, especially in cases where trauma may have legal implications or where individuals require support in navigating various systems, such as healthcare or legal systems.

Prevention: Collaborating with communities and organizations to implement trauma-informed practices and interventions that aim to prevent and mitigate the impact of trauma.

It’s important to note that the specific duties of a Clinical Trauma Specialist may vary based on their professional background, training, and the populations they work with. Additionally, trauma specialists may work in various settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, community agencies, or private practice.

Shervan K Shahhian

When addressing trauma, there is often a distinction between treating the symptoms and addressing the underlying causes or what’s going on inside. Let’s explore both approaches:

Treating the Symptoms:

• Focus: This approach concentrates on alleviating the immediate and visible signs of trauma, such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, or other distressing symptoms.
• Methods: Therapeutic techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises may be employed to manage and reduce symptoms.
• Purpose: The goal is to enhance the individual’s ability to function in their daily life by mitigating the impact of trauma-related symptoms.

Treating the Underlying Causes:

• Focus: This approach delves into the root causes and origins of the trauma. It aims to understand and address the deeper emotional, psychological, or interpersonal issues contributing to the person’s distress.
• Methods: Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or somatic experiencing, may be employed. These therapies aim to process and integrate the traumatic memories.
• Purpose: The goal is to promote long-term healing by addressing the core issues that sustain the symptoms. This approach often involves exploring and making sense of past experiences, building resilience, and fostering a sense of empowerment and control.

It’s important to note that the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, and an effective treatment plan often involves a combination of both. Managing symptoms can provide immediate relief and improve the individual’s capacity to engage in deeper therapeutic work.

Additionally, the choice of treatment approach depends on various factors, including the nature and severity of the trauma, the individual’s preferences, and the therapist’s expertise. A comprehensive and holistic approach that considers both symptom management and addressing underlying causes is generally considered beneficial in the treatment of trauma.

Shervan K Shahhian

Trauma dynamics and trauma-informed training:

General information about trauma dynamics and trauma-informed training. Trauma dynamics typically refer to the complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and physiological processes that occur in response to traumatic experiences. Trauma-informed training aims to educate individuals, particularly professionals in fields such as mental health, education, and social services, about the impact of trauma and how to create environments that are sensitive and supportive of individuals who have experienced trauma.

If “Trauma Dynamics Training” is a specific program or approach, I recommend checking with reputable sources such as training organizations, mental health institutions, or educational providers for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Additionally, you may want to explore resources related to trauma-informed care and trauma-focused therapies, as these are fields that address the impact of trauma on individuals and provide training for professionals.

Shervan K Shahhian

The idea of “shaking out trauma” is related to certain therapeutic approaches that focus on releasing stored tension and stress in the body. One such approach is called Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine. The basic premise is that animals in the wild, after facing a life-threatening situation, often go through a process of physical discharge (shaking, trembling, etc.) to release the excess energy built up during the traumatic event.

According to proponents of SE and similar somatic therapies, humans may also benefit from allowing the body to discharge stored energy and tension associated with trauma. This can involve gentle movements, shaking, or trembling as a way to release and process the physical manifestations of stress and trauma.

It’s important to note that while some people find these approaches helpful, they are not universally accepted or supported by all mental health professionals. Traditional psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and other evidence-based modalities also play crucial roles in treating trauma.

If someone is considering such approaches, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can provide guidance and support based on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Additionally, anyone dealing with trauma should seek professional help and not rely solely on self-help methods.

Shervan K Shahhian