Completing the cycle after witnessing a traumatic event is a crucial aspect of the healing process. Traumatic events can leave a lasting impact on a person’s mind and body, and allowing the natural completion of the trauma response is essential for recovery. Here’s why completing the cycle is important and how it can be achieved:

1. Releasing pent-up energy: During a traumatic event, the body’s natural fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to a surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones. If the person is unable to physically respond (fight or flee) during the event, the energy generated by the stress response can get trapped in the body. Completing the cycle involves finding ways to release this pent-up energy, allowing the nervous system to return to a state of balance.
2. Processing emotions: Witnessing a traumatic event can evoke intense emotions like fear, helplessness, anger, sadness, or guilt. Completing the cycle entails acknowledging and expressing these emotions in a safe and supportive environment. This emotional processing helps prevent emotional numbing or persistent emotional distress.
3. Making sense of the experience: Traumatic events can shatter a person’s sense of safety and coherence in the world. Completing the cycle involves finding ways to make sense of the experience, integrating it into one’s life narrative, and finding meaning or lessons from the ordeal.
4. Reestablishing safety: Feeling safe and secure is fundamental to healing. Completing the cycle involves gradually reestablishing a sense of safety in the aftermath of trauma. This might involve seeking support, creating a safe environment, and learning coping strategies to manage distressing symptoms.
5. Connecting with others: Trauma can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Completing the cycle involves reconnecting with others, building or rebuilding social support networks, and allowing oneself to be supported by caring individuals.

Completing the cycle after witnessing a traumatic event often requires professional help, especially if the trauma has resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other severe psychological difficulties. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or somatic-based therapies like Somatic Experiencing (SE), are specifically designed to help individuals process and complete the trauma cycle.

It’s important to remember that healing from trauma is a gradual and individual process. What works for one person might not work for another. Therefore, seeking support from professionals experienced in trauma treatment can be invaluable in guiding individuals through their healing journey. Patience, self-compassion, and allowing oneself to take the necessary time to heal are essential elements in this process.

My therapy services are designed to help you manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). I work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your unique needs and goals.

 © Linda C J Turner