Welcome to TraumaChannel

I am Robin Cohen, a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst in Santa Monica. I have been exploring and treating trauma since I was licensed in 1985. Most of us have encountered some form of dramatic, undermining and/or overwhelming events in life. Often we are able to process and work through these experiences as we grow and develop or with the support from others, however, sometimes these difficulties remain “stuck” in our minds and bodies immersing us in daily feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, anxiety and despair. Often these past experiences direct us into relationships and situations that are self-defeating and harmful. For some of us our trauma leads to a dysregulated and/or pain-filled body associated with conditions such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, immune disorders, IBS and other difficult to define forms of unwellness.

There are a variety of ways individuals can be traumatized. One can encounter an event, i.e. an assault, severe childhood abuse, an accident, a natural disaster, a grievous and debilitating injury that leaves them overwhelmed and unable to cope. Sometimes, in trying to get help and support for these experiences, more traumas unfold in the form of unresponsive family, social or community support.

We can also experience what is referred to “little t” trauma– a series of interactions occurring over time that flummox, overwhelm, hurt and demoralize us more and more as they continue. Attachment trauma is an illustration of this type of wound that occurs when individuals grow up without the security of knowing that they are loved and that they will be reliably cared for. We also see this occurring for people that grow up in abusive families, particularly when growing up with narcissists. Even as an adult, when we are in work environments, romantic relationships or friendships with narcissists or sociopaths, we can find ourselves unable to trust our own perceptions.

You are SO NOT ALONE with your pain and hurt. The TraumaChannel will share knowledge, treatments and resources for all of you wanting to learn and grow.

T