Flashbacks and Trauma
When listening to an electronic dance music (EDM) DJ set by Saviela, I heard her spin the song “Flashbacks” (2026) by Julian Runge and Tonino. For context, the American Psychological Association (APA) thusly defines a flashback:
1. the reliving of a traumatic event after at least some initial adjustment to the trauma appears to have been made. Memories may be triggered by words, sounds, smells, or scenes that are reminiscent of the original trauma (as in a backfiring car triggering a flashback to being in combat). Flashbacks may be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD].
2. the spontaneous recurrence of the perceptual distortions and disorientation to time and place experienced during a previous period of hallucinogen intoxication. Flashbacks may occur months or even years after the last use of the drug and are associated particularly with LSD.
Unfortunately, I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD that incurred in childhood and which was aggravated by military service, as well as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Fortunately, flashbacks aren’t a symptom I’ve had regarding these traumas. For clarity, the APA thusly defines trauma:
1. any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning.
Traumatic events include those caused by human behavior (e.g., rape, war, industrial accidents) as well as by nature (e.g., earthquakes) and often challenge an individual’s view of the world as a just, safe, and predictable place.
2. any serious physical injury, such as a widespread burn or a blow to the head.
Not all PTSD, TBI, or other trauma-related conditions are alike. For instance, I don’t perceptively relive traumatic experiences of my past (i.e., flashbacks), yet other people do. Now, consider that I stated in Existential Crisis: Hevel, Hevel, Everything Is Utterly Hevel:
Noteworthy, my dad often told stories about his time as a hippie, which apparently entailed use and/or abuse of hallucinogens. He referred to substance-induced hallucinations as “trips,” noting that in days, weeks, months, and even years after use/abuse, one could have a “free trip.”
This meant that he could hallucinate at any time. According to one source, human consumption of hallucinogenic psychoactive substances may include “extended difficulty [with] feelings of anxiety and fear, existential struggle, social disconnection, depersonalization and derealization.”
Therefore, in elementary school, I was aware that my dad was one free trip away from a psychotic episode (a period during which an individual exhibits psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized speech). At any time, my dad could’ve hallucinated.
Given self-reported tales of his youth, which qualify for child abuse events, and in consideration of one verifiable account regarding my dad having been shot in the head with a shotgun pellet, he likely had undiagnosed PTSD and TBI. So, who knows what caused his flashbacks?
Now, one source helpfully clarifies, “Flashbacks are based on real trauma. They are often a part of [PTSD] and are also common for those who have suffered childhood abuse. Hallucinations and delusions, on the other hand, are linked to psychosis, which means you are out of touch with reality and your mind is essentially playing tricks on you.”
The aim of this blogpost is to highlight that when it comes to flashbacks and trauma, no particular re-experiencing or significantly disturbing event reflects the trauma-based narratives of all other people. Herein, I’ve demonstrated this matter by comparing and contrasting anecdotes.
Ultimately, perhaps less important than what happened is what you do about flashbacks and trauma. I practice Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and may be able to help if you endure trauma-related flashbacks. If this is of interest, then I look forward to hearing from you.
If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As the world’s foremost EDM-influenced REBT psychotherapist—promoting content related to EDM, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Child abuse. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/child abuse
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Depersonalization. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/depersonalization
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Derealization. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/derealization
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Disorganized speech. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/disorganized-speech
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Disorientation. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/disorientation
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Flashback. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/flashback
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Hallucination. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/hallucination
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Hallucinogen. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/hallucinogen
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Hallucinogen intoxication. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/hallucinogen-intoxication
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). LSD. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/lsd
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Perceptual distortion. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/perceptual-distortion
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2023, November 15). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/posttraumatic-stress-disorder
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Psychotic. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/psychotic
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Psychotic episode. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/psychotic-episode
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Trauma. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://dictionary.apa.org/trauma
Apple Music. (n.d.). Julian Runge. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/tm/artist/julian-runge/1778156135
Apple Music. (n.d.). Tonino. Apple Inc. Retrieved from https://music.apple.com/tm/artist/tonino/1526316139
Evans, J., Robinson, O. C., Argyri, E. K., Suseelan, S., Murphy-Beiner, A., McAlpine, R., Luke, D., Michelle, K., and Prideaux, E. (2023, October 24). Extended difficulties following the use of psychedelic drugs: A mixed methods study. PLOS One. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10597511/
Harley Therapy Blog. (2023, March 8). Flashback vs hallucination vs delusion – What is the difference? Harley Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/flashback-vs-hallucination-vs-delusion.htm
Hollings, D. (2026, February 8). Adaptive and maladaptive emotions and behavior. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/adaptive-and-maladaptive-emotions-and-behavior
Hollings, D. (2026, February 14). Anxiety: Stress don’t affect us, that’s just a part of what living is. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/anxiety-stress-don-t-affect-us-that-s-just-a-part-of-what-living-is
Hollings, D. (2025, September 18). Are you working against your interests and goals? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/are-you-working-against-your-interests-and-goals
Hollings, D. (2022, November 18). Big T, little t. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/big-t-little-t
Hollings, D. (2025, August 30). Clinging to memories keeps you trapped between worlds. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/clinging-to-memories-keeps-you-trapped-between-worlds
Hollings, D. (2024, May 27). Confusion. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/confusion
Hollings, D. (2024, October 27). Correlation does not imply causation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/correlation-does-not-imply-causation
Hollings, D. (2024, January 7). Delusion. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/delusion
Hollings, D. (2023, July 5). DIDn’t happen. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/didn-t-happen
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (2026, August 19). Disconnected. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disconnected
Hollings, D. (2025, March 12). Distress vs. disturbance. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/distress-vs-disturbance
Hollings, D. (2026, July 23). Endurance: Of course. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/endurance-of-course
Hollings, D. (2026, August 30). Existential crisis: Hevel, hevel, everything is utterly hevel. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/existential-crisis-hevel-hevel-everything-is-utterly-hevel
Hollings, D. (2024, April 21). Existentialism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/existentialism
Hollings, D. (2023, September 8). Fair use. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fair-use
Hollings, D. (2026, April 17). Fear, take the wheel. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/fear-take-the-wheel
Hollings, D. (2024, May 17). Feeling better vs. getting better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/feeling-better-vs-getting-better-1
Hollings, D. (2024, October 23). Forces of nature. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/forces-of-nature
Hollings, D. (2023, October 12). Get better. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/get-better
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/
Hollings, D. (2024, November 7). I got two. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/i-got-two
Hollings, D. (2026, July 11). Intellect: Practitioners of prediction, not prophecy. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/intellect-practitioners-of-prediction-not-prophecy
Hollings, D. (2025, January 14). Level of functioning and quality of life. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/level-of-functioning-and-quality-of-life
Hollings, D. (2023, September 19). Life coaching. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/life-coaching
Hollings, D. (2022, May 19). Mind tricks. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/mind-tricks
Hollings, D. (2026, September 9). Morals, ethics, law, justice, subjectivity, and objectivity: Can you reserve judgment? Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/morals-ethics-law-justice-subjectivity-and-objectivity-can-you-reserve-judgment
Hollings, D. (2024, September 27). My attitude. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/my-attitude
Hollings, D. (2026, April 4). Objective reality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/objective-reality
Hollings, D. (2026, September 18). On feelings… again. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/on-feelings-again
Hollings, D. (2026, April 26). Pain away: Learned helplessness. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/pain-away-learned-helplessness
Hollings, D. (2023, December 25). Perception isn’t reality. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/perception-isn-t-reality
Hollings, D. (2026, April 13). PLUR: Addressing sexual assault and rape. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/plur-addressing-sexual-assault-and-rape
Hollings, D. (2024, May 5). Psychotherapist. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/psychotherapist
Hollings, D. (2022, March 24). Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT). Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/rational-emotive-behavior-therapy-rebt
Hollings, D. (2023, February 17). Revisiting the circle of control. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/revisiting-the-circle-of-control
Hollings, D. (2024, April 1). Safetyism. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/safetyism
Hollings, D. (2025, October 9). Self-awareness, self-examination, and self-determination. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-awareness-self-examination-and-self-determination
Hollings, D. (2024, January 6). Self-inflicted insult to injury. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/self-inflicted-insult-to-injury
Hollings, D. (2024, February 27). Suffering, struggling, and battling vs. experiencing. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/suffering-struggling-and-battling-vs-experiencing
Hollings, D. (2024, March 19). TBI. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/__tbi
Hollings, D. (2026, April 23). The three traditionally identified components of the mind: Affect, cognition, and conation. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/the-three-traditionally-identified-components-of-the-mind-affect-cognition-and-conation
Hollings, D. (2025, February 28). To try is my goal. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/to-try-is-my-goal
Hollings, D. (2025, September 26). Triggers all around me. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/triggers-all-around-me
Hollings, D. (2024, March 18). Unhealthy vs. healthy negative emotions. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/unhealthy-vs-healthy-negative-emotions
Hollings, D. (2023, October 10). When others don’t share your worldview. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/when-others-don-t-share-your-worldview
Hollings, D. (2025, June 16). WX3. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/__wx3
Julian Runge – Topic. (2026, February 5). Flashbacks (Extended Mix) [Image; video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/MvXyvtNBh1U?si=2617JgEW4CPdNMXh
Saviela. (2026, August 17). Saviela live DJ set @ Zsiráf, Budapest [Melodic techno & tech house] [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Lt1_7Z8umF8?si=BhL770Zh1Hh1SJ8_
Spotify. (n.d.). Saviela. Retrieved from https://soundcloud.com/saviela-237762759
Wikipedia. (n.d.). Hippie. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippie
