Trauma can be healed - A case study
- Swapna Vithalkar
- Feb 27
- 3 min read
The case of Eva (name changed) was referred to me by another psychologist who was working with her for two years. Eva was studying from a reputed university in Sweden. I am writing this article with the consent of Eva.
Eva was suffering from dysthymia since many years. She used to cry in every session for almost a year. She was experiencing recurrent panic episodes at night when she had a presentation or an important meeting. She had a major low self esteem issue and a habit of blaming herself for everything that was going wrong around her. She used to predict negative consequences that might occur in near future. A very good looking girl but used to think that she is unattractive and can never find a romantic partner.
Was she born with this kind of thinking?
Is this negative thinking caused by some innate tendencies or personality disorder?
Is it one of the symptoms of disthymia?
Is she suffering with anxiety disorder?
After some sessions I found out that she had suffered sexual abuse during her childhood by a servant. She had a loving family but always felt pressurized to perform in studies. Eva fell in love and had a relationship for ten years. She realized later that this man actually holds petriarchal values and would force himself many times without her consent.
She had a typical thinking pattern which is shown by people who suffered severe trauma. One question haunts them for many years "why did this happen to me?" Since there is never a satisfactory answer so they conclude that there is definitely some fault in me therefore the traumatic incident happened with me. This conclusion then gets reflected in three types of behaviour.
First behavioural consequence is they start doubting themselves, finding faults in themselves, blaming themselves for everything that is going wrong around them.
Second behavioural consequence is they start avoiding situations, people, that might lead to re-experiencing the trauma and thoughts of low self-esteem.
This creates anxiety, panic attacks in some cases. In some cases this can lead to obsessive compulsive behaviour.
Third behaviour consequence is they start doubting other's motives if they are providing some form of nurturing. It can be as simple as a compliment, a dinner invite, a loving hug, a gesture of simple help, etc.
Eva has been consulting me since two years now. We started our online conversation sessions with once a week. When she became emotionally stable the sessions were planned once in two weeks. Her journey of gaining emotional stability was not easy for both of us. She went through many ups and downs but never missed a session. She has stopped crying now, her panic attacks have reduced, she started taking medicines for PMS difficulties. Eva is exploring new hobbies to overcome her fear of public speaking, planning and executing the plans to gather new experiences, understands how her past affects her present behaviour. She is still struggling with her fear of getting involved in romantic relationship. I am sure she will come to a stage when she will be able to find the partner whom she deserves, whom she can trust and be happy exploring the world and new experiences together with him.
Traumas can be healed and the person can enjoy the life again. It's a great joy for me to witness my client's recovery journey, their fight with their own self-defeating thoughts, getting new perspectives, new insights, gaining confidence and enjoying the small moments of their life.
For consultation :
Dr. Swapna Vithalkar
Ph.D. Psychology
Certified International Life Coach
WhatsApp +460737608827
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