It's important to note that unlocking trauma is a gradual and individualised journey. It requires patience, self-compassion, and the support of trusted professionals or a supportive community. The process may involve various therapeutic modalities, including body-based approaches, talk therapy, expressive arts, and mindfulness practices. CAM: Let’s step into the healing space. You ran a mentorship program called Black Womxn in Leadership. Many women and men in leadership are active in society but we carry a lot of wounds. What are some of the classical signs, traits, or manifestations of trauma wounding (affecting our leaders)? Nomfundo : That's an important question, and I'm glad you brought up the topic of women in leadership. When it comes to women in leadership roles, there can be signs that indicate they are carrying trauma. It's important to note that these signs can vary from person to person, but there are some common patterns to look out for. One sign is the constant need for validation and approval. Trauma can create a deep sense of insecurity and self-doubt, leading to a constant seeking of external validation to feel worthy or competent. This can manifest as seeking recognition and praise for every accomplishment or being overly concerned with others' opinions. Another sign is the difficulty in setting boundaries and saying no. Women who have experienced trauma may struggle with asserting themselves and prioritising their own needs. They may have a fear of disappointing others or facing rejection, which can lead to an inability to establish healthy boundaries in work or personal relationships. Perfectionism is another common sign. Trauma can create a belief that one's worth is tied to achievements and performance. Women in leadership roles may put immense pressure on themselves to excel in every aspect of their work, often at the expense of their well-being. This perfectionistic mindset can be exhausting and unsustainable.
CAM: Thank you for explaining the broad clusters. I understood that for someone who is aware of their trauma, it's easier for triggers to affect them. However, what about those who do not remember what happened? They may have experienced something when they were very young, and their mind has blocked their memory. Yet, they continue to experience the effects of the trauma. What type of trauma is this, and how can a person recognize that they have been traumatized or are struggling with trauma? Nomfundo : That's a crucial question, and I'm glad you brought up the concept of unlocking trauma. The medulla, the term I use to refer to the brainstem, specifically the reptilian brain, where our survival instincts reside, is responsible for our fight, flight, freeze, or fawn (faint) responses when faced with a threat or traumatic experience. When trauma occurs, these responses get activated, and the memory of the trauma gets stored in the body. To unlock trauma, we need to engage the medulla and release the stored energy and emotions associated with the trauma. One technique that can help with this is somatic experiencing. Somatic experiencing is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the body's physical sensations and allows the body to complete the fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses that may have been interrupted during the traumatic event. By tuning into the body and its sensations, we can begin to notice any areas of tension, discomfort, or blocked energy. Through gentle exploration and guidance from a trained professional, we can gradually release and discharge the stored energy in a safe and regulated manner. This process allows the nervous system to reset and restore balance. Another powerful tool in unlocking trauma is through storytelling and narrative therapy. Sharing our stories and experiences in a supportive and empathetic environment can help us gain insights, make connections, and bring awareness to the trauma we may have forgotten or repressed. By giving voice to our experiences, we can begin to integrate and make meaning of them, which is essential for the healing process.
June 2023 | Collective Action Magazine
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