Dr. Paul Conti: Therapy, Treating Trauma & Other Life Challenges | Episode 75
Main Takeaways
Trauma is an event or situation that overwhelms our coping skills and leaves us fundamentally changed.
Trauma can be acute or chronic, and can even come from witnessing someone else's suffering.
Our reflexive response to trauma is to try and change the past, which can lead to guilt and shame.
Trauma can cause changes in mood states, sleep patterns, and behavior, and can fundamentally change the function of our brains.
There are maladaptive brain changes associated with trauma, including a desire for punishment, control, and avoidance.
Repetition compulsion is a phenomenon where people repeatedly traumatize themselves in an attempt to make sense of the original trauma and "make it right."
Trauma can also be a source of motivation, with people using it to fuel positive change in their lives through sublimation.
It is important to talk about trauma in order to confront it without repeating compulsion.
Self-coping mechanisms such as food, drugs, sex, and negative thoughts can provide short-term relief, but at the expense of long-term change.
Choosing the right therapist is essential for effective therapy, and it's important to find someone who you have good rapport with and who can adapt to your needs.
