Trauma is not just what happens to us—it’s also what happens inside us in response to overwhelming events. Whether it comes from a single shocking incident or years of subtle emotional neglect, trauma has the power to alter how we think, feel, and relate to the world around us.
What Is Trauma?
Psychologists define trauma as the emotional and physiological response to experiences that exceed our capacity to cope. This might be:
Acute trauma from a one-time event, such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster.
Chronic trauma from repeated exposure, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or systemic oppression.
Complex trauma that develops when multiple, prolonged traumatic experiences—often in childhood—shape our nervous system and sense of self.
Trauma is not only the “big events” we commonly imagine. Growing up with a parent who was emotionally unavailable, living in an unpredictable household, or feeling unsafe to express your authentic self can leave lasting wounds, too.
How Trauma Impacts Us
Trauma often lives in the body as much as in the mind. Survivors may experience:
Hypervigilance and anxiety — feeling “on guard” even in safe situations.
Emotional dysregulation — difficulty calming down or managing intense emotions.
Shame and self-blame — internalizing responsibility for what happened.
Relationship struggles — difficulty trusting others, setting boundaries, or feeling worthy of love.
Physical symptoms — chronic pain, fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues linked to unresolved stress (Van der Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score).
Why Trauma Persists
When trauma is unprocessed, the brain continues to register danger long after the event is over. The amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) remains activated, while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thought and safety signals) can’t fully quiet the alarm. This keeps the nervous system in cycles of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses.
Healing From Trauma
Healing is possible at any stage of life. The process often includes:
1. Safety and Stabilization
Building a sense of safety—internally and externally—is the first step. This may include grounding practices, mindfulness, or stabilizing one’s environment.
2. Processing the Experience
Evidence-based therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) help people safely revisit traumatic memories so the body can release what has been held inside.
3. Reconnecting With Self and Others
Healing restores the ability to connect with one’s authentic self and to form healthy, reciprocal relationships. This might include learning boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and nurturing safe connections.
4. Meaning-Making and Growth
Many trauma survivors discover post-traumatic growth: a deepened sense of empathy, resilience, or purpose that emerges through healing.
As Judith Herman writes in Trauma and Recovery, “Recovery can take place only within the context of relationships; it cannot occur in isolation.” Supportive, attuned relationships are essential to the healing process.
Final Thoughts
Trauma can feel like it steals your sense of safety and self, but healing is not only possible—it is probable when we engage with it compassionately. With the right support, we can move from surviving to thriving, reclaiming our lives, and reconnecting with our deepest selves.
✨ If you are navigating trauma and its impact, you don’t have to walk that path alone. As a therapist who has walked through my own healing journey, I help clients safely process trauma and rebuild a sense of connection and self-trust. If you’re ready to begin, you can book a session: