Understanding Trauma. Part 2: How Trauma Alters Reality and Self

In Greg Egans “Quarantine,” humanity is a cosmic threat, with human consciousness unintentionally affecting the cosmos by collapsing the wave function. This influence, through observational tools like telescopes, destroys distant inhabited worlds. The premise is that the universes intelligent life forms exist in a state of superposition.

Superposition, in quantum mechanics, allows for the coexistence of multiple potential states or locations of particles, represented by the wave function. This state of potentiality persists until observation triggers a collapse into a singular, definitive state, ending all other possibilities — the "collapse of the wave function." 

However, this quantum mechanics principle has implications beyond the physical sciences, inviting us to consider two psychological inferences:

1. Trauma can be seen as a personal "collapse of the wave function," where possibilities and potentials are decimated, fixating the individual solely on the event and its direct outcomes. This metaphorical collapse transitions an individual from a state of potentiality to a reality marked by irreversible changes, effectively dividing their existence into a "before" and "after."

The impact of trauma is not just the event itself, but the accompanying deprivation of safety and benevolence, stripping away the support and sanctuary previously thought reliable. Trauma manifests as a profound loss — of illusions, security, and in the deepest sense, a spiritual disconnect.  “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” — these were the last words of Jesus (Matthew 27:46).

2. Given that this psychological "collapse of the wave function" is instigated by the observers conscious acknowledgment of the event, it can also be altered by mere observation. This concept echoes Beisser’s paradoxical theory of change, which proposes that transformation begins at the point of accepting ones disliked aspects rather than in the pursuit of who one wishes to become. The emphasis shifts to the present, the “here and now.”

The ancient wisdom inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, asks us to "Know Yourself," but is self-knowledge truly possible?

Self-understanding can be pursued through introspection, regularly questioning ones thoughts, emotions, and actions, or engaging in practices like meditation. Gurdjieffs "Stop" exercise serves as a method to momentarily halt and deeply observe ones internal state, facilitating a transition into the role of an observer.

Alternatively, undergoing observation by a professional, such as a psychologist or psychotherapist, offers another pathway to change. The act of being observed catalyzes transformation, highlighting the powerful role of conscious awareness and observation in the journey toward self-understanding and healing.

If youre struggling with the aftermath of trauma, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy or virtual mental health counseling at E Clinic can offer a path to transformation. Engaging in online psychotherapy or speaking to a psychologist online might be the key to unlocking new potentials and helping you navigate the journey from trauma to healing.

D.Avtonomov©