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Trauma Destroys Time: A Conversation After Being Triggered

In this conversation, Sarah and Justine discuss the impact of trauma on our sense of time and how the past can erupt into the present or shift our perception of what is about to happen in the future. Justine shares a quote from the book Trauma and Human Existence by Robert D. Storolow. She was reminded of this quote, in particular his words, “Trauma destroys time,” after a recent personal experience of reacting unexpectedly and dramatically to a trigger resulting from an experience with her baby she did not originally categorize as a trauma. Sarah and Justine emphasize the importance of seeking support and understanding in navigating the effects of trauma particularly when parenting. The conversation highlights the power of trusted relationships and creating safe spaces for healing so that we can be present with ourselves and our children.

 Keywords

Trauma and temporality, unexpected triggers, fragmentation along time, healing, creating safe spaces

Takeaways

  • Trauma can disrupt our sense of time and bring past experiences into the present moment.
  • Triggers can unexpectedly bring us back to traumatic events, even if we don't categorize them as traumas.
  • Seeking support and understanding is crucial in navigating the effects of trauma.
  • Creating safe spaces and trusted relationships can help in healing and bringing fragmented parts of ourselves back together.

Sound Bites

  • "Trauma destroys time."
  • "The world feels more tender and vulnerable when you're a parent."
  • "Our body can sometimes feel like it's never in that calm state."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Quote

08:02 The Impact of Trauma on Our Sense of Time

15:27 Triggers: Unexpectedly Reliving Traumatic Experiences

25:21 The Importance of Seeking Support in Navigating Trauma

27:15 Creating Safe Spaces for Healing and Integration

38:27 Conclusion and Takeaways

On the Resilient Birth podcast, Justine and Sarah explore the impact of trauma across the perinatal period, from trying-to-conceive to pregnancy, from childbirth to postpartum and parenting. Through an inspirational quote that drives our weekly conversations about trauma and healing, Justine and Sarah explore topics such as birth trauma, parenting as a survivor, and finding healing with vulnerability and compassion that support birthing people and birth professionals.

Each week, listeners leave with takeaways to utilize in their lives and/or clients. Justine and Sarah hold the stories they share with honor and respect with the hope to impart knowledge, increase understanding, and bear witness to this challenging topic.

Sarah is a licensed mental health counselor, educator, and mom of three. She walks with a story of trauma from before and as a result of her perinatal experience.

Justine supports survivors of trauma through perinatal coaching and childbirth education. As well as being a mother of three, she holds a Ph.D. on representations of consent and sexual violence.

Learn more about Sarah and Justine's course called Trauma Informed Fundamentals here: https://resilient-birth.mykajabi.com/traumainformedfundamentals