Trauma if it is not faced consciously will re-emerge in the subconscious. Nightmares can bring back past trauma in an attempt to understand and face the eluded issue. Due to disassociated mental material, trauma is trapped in the brain and not stored as a long term memory properly. Due to this, the trauma memory becomes a rogue thought within the brain. It haunts the individual through PTSD. Grief Counseling can help.
Only till the trauma is resolved, faced and understood, can one begin to heal from the event. Nightmares surrounding the trauma manifest as a way to face it but in an incomplete way. The nightmares at first are more vivid and true to the event but overtime can become more symbolic. The only way to overcome the nightmares is to face the trauma when awake. Counselors can also help individuals who are facing nightmares with strategies to minimize the nightmare and prepare the mind for a more peaceful sleep. Ultimately though, one has to be put in the work when awake to eventually overcome the haunting past traumatic event.
Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management, Crisis Intervention and Grief Counseling Certifications. The programs all deal with trauma in some aspects. They are all online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
The video below from AIHCP takes a closer look at nightmares and trauma.
Please review the video below