What is Retraumitization?

Retraumitization happens when a trauma victim sees or experiences something that causes them to re-experience the same feelings of fear and hopelessness as the first traumatic event. The trigger could be a person, a sound, a place, or even a smell.

Retraumatization is different than simply remembering the event. It occurs when a person is removed from the trauma for years or months, and often when that person is actively in treatment. Generally, remembering the event can be distressful, but not as the level as one feels during retraumatization. 

Some professionals see retraumatization as a “setback” or speed bump in healing, while others view it simply as something a person experiences after a trauma.

When someone experiences retraumatization, they experience a visceral, clear memory of that trauma, including how they felt physically and emotionally. It can be traumatizing in itself since it feels so similar to original trauma.

Flashbacks vs Retraumitization

Flashbacks are a more common way to talk about retraumatization. A flashback is usually a single event of re-living a trauma, while some mental health professionals feel retraumatization is more of an overall setback in healing.

How Retraumitization Happens

The goal of trauma treatment is to avoid retraumatization. However, it’s almost impossible to completely avoid any triggers that may cause retraumatization. While, unfortunately, nearly any person can be retraumatized during and after treatment, there are a few things that seem to contribute a little bit more to that likelihood.

Reminders of That Traumatic Experience

It’s common to think of flashbacks being triggered by something in the environment. A few examples are:

• Soldiers hearing loud bangs like fireworks
• Seeing the person who mistreated you
• The anniversary of the event passing
• Going to the place where you experienced trauma

Memories of trauma are stored in a way that you re-live it rather than just remember it. Being reminded of a traumatic event can trigger the same fight or flight response that that event first triggered.

Experiencing a Similar Trauma

In the same vein of the reminder of the event is experiencing a similar traumatic event. Using the example of a soldier again, retraumatization can happen when that soldier was traumatized by a gunfight who then is involved in combat during another tour of duty.

If someone was emotionally abused and yelled at, they may be retraumatized when another partner raised their voice. Even if the new trauma isn't one-for-one of the initial trauma, it can share enough similarities that it leads to retraumatization.

Support or Therapy That Isn’t Trauma-Informed

Trauma-informed counseling is an approach that recognizes the wide-range of effects of trauma so the counselor can adapt treatment to every person’s needs. This extensive knowledge requires specific training that covers the impact trauma can have and the other mental health challenges that come from it.

It’s the most comprehensive level of trauma counseling. It requires extensive training, and can be used even if a client isn’t specifically seeking help for trauma.

Trauma-informed counseling prevents retraumatization because it involves a heightened level of consent, collaboration, and understanding. Conversations are completely tailored to that client’s experiences and level of comfort. 

Trauma-Informed Therapy in Mesa and Tempe, Arizona

Retraumatization can seemingly occur out of nowhere. Part of trauma-informed care here at Inner Balance Counseling is to help you resolve trauma so that you limit the likelihood of retraumatization. 

Our entire staff is trained in EMDR above and beyond the minimum requirements. You deserve the highest quality care in Arizona. 

The process is simple: reach out, show up, and feel better. Schedule a call with our care team to start your healing journey.