Common Types of Trauma and Natural Approaches to Emotional Recovery
Over time, these experiences can leave emotional imprints that affect how we feel, think, and relate to ourselves and others.
At Love To Feel Better, we recognise that healing isn’t about reliving the past — it’s about gently releasing what the nervous system and subconscious mind are still holding onto. Two powerful, complementary approaches that support this process are the Sterne Method and HypnoCoaching.
Together, they help people move beyond emotional blocks, restore inner safety, and reconnect with a sense of calm, confidence, and self-trust.
Below, we look at the different types of trauma these methods can be very effective on.
Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma occurs when someone deeply trusted — such as a partner, family member, or friend — breaks that trust through deception, infidelity, or abandonment. The resulting shock and emotional pain can cause numbness, confusion, and difficulty trusting again. People may oscillate between anger, grief, and self-blame, finding it hard to regulate emotions or feel safe in relationships. Overcoming betrayal trauma involves rebuilding trust in oneself and others.
Birth Trauma
Birth trauma can occur when the experience of pregnancy, labour, or the postpartum period feels overwhelming or unsafe. This might stem from emergency interventions, lack of support, or unexpected complications. Individuals may feel detached from themselves or their baby, struggle to process the experience, or carry ongoing anxiety or guilt. Recognising and addressing birth trauma is key to restoring emotional wellbeing and confidence.
Medical or Health Related Trauma
This type of trauma can arise from distressing medical experiences — such as surgery, childbirth complications, or chronic illness — where a person feels frightened, powerless, or out of control. Even after physical recovery, medical trauma can trigger anxiety, flashbacks, vertigo or fear of future treatments. It often affects trust in one’s own body and may lead to ongoing health-related stress or avoidance of medical care.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single, overwhelming event such as an accident, natural disaster, or sudden loss. It can leave a person feeling shocked, disoriented, or emotionally detached, even after the event has passed. Physical symptoms like tension, sleep disturbance, or intrusive memories are common, and the nervous system often remains in a heightened state of alert. Recovery involves re-establishing a sense of safety and grounding in everyday life.
Relational or Attachment Trauma
Relational trauma develops in environments where love, safety, or emotional support were inconsistent or absent — often in childhood but also in adult relationships. It can lead to patterns of fear, mistrust, or self-doubt that affect how a person connects with others. Symptoms may include people-pleasing, emotional avoidance, or difficulty maintaining healthy boundaries. Healing often involves relearning emotional safety and self-worth.
Secondary or Vicarious Trauma
Secondary trauma affects those who witness or support others through pain and crisis — such as healthcare workers, therapists, or first responders. Over time, continuous exposure to others’ suffering can lead to emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, or feelings of detachment. It can impact mental health, motivation, and relationships. Awareness, self-care, and professional support are essential in preventing burnout and maintaining resilience.
Did any of these resonate?
If you can relate to any of these and you feel that you are holding something inside you that you want to let go of, book a complimentary Heart Connection call, and let’s talk about it.
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