What do we mean by “trauma”?

What is “trauma”?

The word "trauma" is often misunderstood and underestimated in its complexity. Trauma doesn’t have a singular definition, as it can mean different things to different people. Trauma can result from a wide range of experiences, whether they be singular catastrophic events or a series of ongoing challenges. In some cases, trauma may not be tied to a specific event but instead to an environment or relational situation that overwhelms an individual. Vicarious trauma, for instance, affects professionals who are repeatedly exposed to the trauma of others, such as those working within the legal system.

Reflections on trauma

Sometimes the best way of coming to our own understanding of trauma is to hear others’ reflections. Some of the significant voices in the field describe it as follows:

Judy Atkinson, in Trauma Trails, Recreating Song Lines: The Transgenerational Effects of Trauma in Indigenous Australia (2002), describes trauma as:

“an event or process which overwhelms the individual, family or community and the ability to cope in the mind, body, soul [and] spirit”.

Peter Levine, a leading trauma expert and developer of Somatic Experiencing, highlights:

“we become traumatised when our ability to respond to a perceived threat is in some way overwhelmed”.

Gabor Maté, another prominent figure in trauma work, adds:

“the essence of trauma is disconnection from the self”.

The concept of trauma being a “disconnection from the self” often resonates with our clients, together with Staci K. Haines’ suggestion that trauma disrupts one or more of our basic needs for safety, belonging, and dignity. These disruptions are particularly significant when considering how trauma manifests in the legal system, where individuals and teams can find themselves feeling unsafe, impacting their ability to engage in the legal process, whether in a professional or personal context.

Manifestations of trauma

Trauma affects each person differently, and its impact can be far-reaching and long-lasting. Symptoms that follow exposure to trauma are often classified as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). However, it is important not to view traumatisation as a disorder. Instead, we can recognise it as a normal human response to overwhelming experiences.

Trauma is not confined to the emotional or psychological realm. It is systemic, often affecting the body as well. Our nervous systems can become dysregulated, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, hypervigilance, chronic fatigue, persistent pain, and even gut or skin issues. These physical and emotional responses can be deeply distressing and often disrupt our everyday lives.

“Traumatised people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside.”
― Bessel A. van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

These symptoms and signs are frequently the body’s way of signalling that trauma is present and that healing is required. The good news is that our bodies possess an innate wisdom that can guide us towards wellness and alignment, once we learn to recognise these signs.

The path to healing

The hopeful truth is that we can heal from trauma. Wild animals regularly experience potentially traumatic events without being traumatised, and humans can also re-learn how to engage the body’s natural capacity for healing.

Steve Hoskinson’s Organic Intelligence framework frames trauma as "an unintegrated resource" - a concept that may seem challenging at first. However, this view can remind us that with the right conditions, our bodies can gradually integrate trauma and move towards healing and wholeness.

Trauma Informed Law’s approach

At Trauma Informed Law, we weave our understanding of trauma into our work, supporting individuals and teams navigating the legal system. By recognising the diverse ways trauma manifests, we are able to approach each situation with empathy and care. Our trauma-informed approach ensures that the legal professionals and clients we work with feel empowered and supported, addressing not only the legal challenges they face but also the emotional and psychological impacts that may arise. We create environments that prioritise safety, dignity, and belonging, ensuring a holistic approach to navigating legal processes.

We’re always happy to talk. Please get in touch if you’d like further information, support or guidance.