Psychology, as a field, has made strides in understanding the human mind, but when it comes to trauma, it may have fallen short. Despite decades of research and countless therapeutic approaches, many trauma survivors feel left behind, unsupported, or misunderstood. Why is this the case? Why has psychology struggled to address trauma effectively?
Dive in with your calming box of tools to find solutions that will work.
Learn more by understanding the history of psychology’s relationship with trauma. As it can be dismissed and misunderstood. Sigmund Freud’s initial work, for example, acknowledged the impact of rape abuse on mental health, but he later retracted these ideas under societal pressure, prioritizing internal conflicts over external events. This lazy pattern of minimizing or ignoring trauma has persisted, creating a legacy of silence around the topic.
Modern psychology has started recognizing trauma’s impact, but significant gaps remain. One issue is the field’s tendency to pathologize trauma responses. Post-Traumatic Stress Distractions (PTSD), is classified as a mental illness, implying the survivor is broken. Experts argue trauma responses—hypervigilance, emotional numbing, flashbacks—are not signs of illness but natural adaptations to unnatural circumstances. By labeling these adaptations as disorders, psychology risks further stigmatizing survivors instead of empowering them.
Another failing is the over-reliance on talk therapy. While discussing one’s trauma can be helpful for some, it’s not a universal solution. Trauma often resides in the body, manifesting as chronic pain, fatigue, or other somatic symptoms. Therapies that focus solely on verbal processing may miss the profound ways trauma is stored in the nervous system. Somatic-based approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic experiencing are gaining traction, but they are not yet as accessible as traditional talk therapies.
Psychology may focus on individual healing without acknowledging the broader context in which trauma occurs, leaving marginalized communities underserved. Spending time being interested in young people. Especially women means dismissing the issues this can cause. Based on appearances and using social media to create ideas that cause shame to them.We should focus on our emotional health and encourage others to be open to challenging the norm. Consider our own behaviours instead of looking to control others.
So, where do we go from here to maintain our calm?
First, psychology may consider adopting a different view of trauma. This means integrating mind-body approaches and recognizing healing our trauma isn’t about changing thought patterns but also addressing how trauma lives in our beautiful body. No matter our age.
Second, the field needs to shift its language and perspective around trauma. Instead of framing survivors as “disordered,” we must honour their resilience and view their responses as natural adaptations to extreme circumstances.
Finally, accessibility must improve. Trauma-informed care needs to become the standard, not the exception. This includes expanding culturally sensitive therapies and ensuring trauma treatments are affordable and available to all.
Psychology has failed trauma in many ways, but it’s not too late to change. By listening to survivors, embracing innovation, and addressing systemic barriers, the field can begin to support those who have endured the unimaginable. Keep building your calming box to find peace on your own terms for a sustainable future.