ABSTRACT
Milestone 7 provides an introduction to trauma theory to assist former members of coercive, cultic and spiritually abusive settings to understand and identify the psychological and physiological effects of trauma, handle triggers and ground themselves. It draws on the author’s personal and clinical experience and research, and other authors. An underlying premise is that understanding trauma and its effects is key to addressing it. Survival responses to threats (fight, flight, freeze and submit, appease) are explained. Types of traumatic events are discussed: the more obvious ‘big T’ traumas, and the often overlooked effects of numerous ‘small t’ traumas. Physiological and psychological symptoms are considered, together with how the autonomic nervous system responds to trauma, using the idea of ‘zones’ of tolerance, hyperarousal and hypoarousal. There is a discussion of the effect of trauma on how memories are laid down, the implications of pattern matches and how introjects and loaded language act as triggers. Recovery involves raising awareness, using perception (‘the noticing brain’) and letting the body know the trauma has ended. There are Worksheets throughout to help the reader reflect on how they are still affected and to assist with self-help.
