Understanding the Body and Mind’s Response to Trauma
Trauma is not a one-size-fits-all experience. People respond in different ways, and understanding these responses can be the first step toward healing. At Benoni Psychotherapy, Clinical Psychologist Ahmed Mayet offers compassionate, evidence-based trauma therapy in Benoni to help clients move forward after distressing events.
Whether you’ve experienced loss, abuse, neglect, violence, or prolonged stress, learning about trauma responses—and how therapy can help—empowers you to take back control of your life.
What Are the 7 Trauma Responses?
Most people know about the classic fight-or-flight reaction, but there are actually seven key trauma responses:
- Fight – confronting the threat head-on
- Flight – escaping or avoiding the threat
- Freeze – shutting down emotionally or physically
- Fawn – pleasing others to avoid conflict
- Flop – collapsing or becoming unresponsive
- Friend – attaching quickly to feel safe
- Fix – trying to control or “fix” the situation
Each of these is a natural survival mechanism. But when these responses become habitual or unconscious, they can interfere with everyday life—and that’s where trauma therapy in Benoni comes in.
The Fight Response – When Anger Becomes a Shield
Some individuals respond to trauma by becoming aggressive, confrontational, or overly assertive. This reaction can protect them in dangerous situations, but over time, it may lead to relationship problems or isolation.
Therapeutic goal: Learn to regulate emotional intensity and channel assertiveness in a healthy way.
The Flight Response – Running from Stress
This response often presents as anxiety, hyperactivity, or avoidance. You might keep busy, overwork, or retreat from emotional conversations.
In therapy: You can learn grounding techniques and healthier ways to face fear and discomfort.
The Freeze Response – Emotionally Numb and Disconnected
Freezing might look like indecision, procrastination, or emotional numbness. It’s your mind’s way of pressing pause when a situation feels overwhelming.
Therapeutic focus: Build safety, learn to reconnect with emotions, and slowly re-engage with the world.
The Fawn Response – People-Pleasing to Stay Safe
Fawning is often seen in those who experienced chronic emotional neglect or abuse. These individuals may try to appease others to avoid conflict or rejection.
Therapy approach: Establish boundaries and develop self-worth independent of external validation.
The Flop Response – Collapsing or Giving In
Flop looks like physical collapse, giving up easily, or going numb. It’s often seen in those with complex trauma and somatic symptoms.
Healing method: Gentle trauma processing and body-based therapies such as mindfulness or EMDR.
The Friend Response – Clinging to Others for Safety
This is a lesser-known response where individuals quickly bond with others—even strangers—to feel secure. While connection is vital, it can become unhealthy when driven by fear.
Goal of therapy: Cultivate secure, healthy relationships and self-soothing practices.
The Fix Response – Over-Functioning in Chaos
Fixers feel the need to control their environment, take responsibility for others, or “solve” emotional problems. It may come from childhood roles or guilt after trauma.
Therapeutic focus: Let go of hyper-responsibility and explore personal needs and boundaries.
How Trauma Therapy in Benoni Supports Recovery
Working with a Benoni clinical psychologist like Ahmed Mayet provides a safe space to:
- Identify your trauma response patterns
- Understand why they developed
- Learn alternative, healthier coping mechanisms
- Process and release unresolved trauma
- Rebuild emotional and relational security
Using therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic-based approaches, trauma therapy in Benoni helps clients integrate their experiences and move toward lasting recovery.
Signs You May Benefit from Trauma Therapy in Benoni
If you identify with any of the following, trauma therapy could be right for you:
- You feel emotionally stuck or numb
- You avoid conflict or overreact in arguments
- You struggle with anxiety or chronic stress
- You feel disconnected from your body or emotions
- You experience flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
- You feel exhausted from trying to “keep it together”
Why Choose Benoni Psychotherapy?
At Benoni Psychotherapy, you’re not just a diagnosis or a story. You’re a person with the capacity to heal, grow, and thrive. Clinical Psychologist Ahmed Mayet offers warm, non-judgmental care rooted in trauma-informed therapy.
Whether you’re navigating recent trauma or unpacking events from years ago, we’re here to walk the healing journey with you.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Today with Trauma Therapy in Benoni
Trauma doesn’t define you—your healing does.
If you’re ready to understand your trauma responses and develop tools for lasting change, we’re here to help.
👉 Contact Benoni Psychotherapy to book your first session of trauma therapy in Benoni today.
Let’s start your journey back to peace and emotional balance.