Trauma

  • What is Trauma?

    Trauma is an emotional and physical response to deeply distressing or harmful experiences. It can result from a single event (such as an accident, assault, or natural disaster) or ongoing situations (such as abuse, neglect, or chronic stress). Trauma affects the body, mind, and emotions, sometimes long after the event has ended. Everyone’s reaction is unique—what feels traumatic for one person may not feel the same for another.

  • Common Symptoms of Trauma

    Trauma can show up in many ways, including:

    Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

    Avoidance of reminders of the event

    Heightened anxiety or being easily startled

    Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame

    Emotional numbness, detachment, or withdrawal from others

    Trouble concentrating or sleeping

    Physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, or muscle tension

  • How Is Trauma Treated?

    Experiencing trauma—whether from a single event or ongoing difficult experiences—can leave lasting emotional, physical, and psychological effects. Therapy provides a supportive space to begin healing at your own pace.

    Together, we may use approaches like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Somatic or Mindfulness-based therapies, and psychodynamic therapy to gently process painful memories, reduce distress, and reconnect with a sense of safety and control.

    Healing from trauma takes time, compassion, and trust. Therapy can help you rebuild your sense of self, strengthen resilience, and begin to feel grounded and whole again.

  • Helping A Friend Or Loved One

    Supporting someone with trauma requires patience and compassion. You can:

    Listen without pushing them to share details before they’re ready

    Believe and validate their feelings and experiences

    Offer stability and reassurance—remind them they are safe now

    Respect boundaries, giving them choice and control

    Encourage professional support if symptoms are severe or ongoing

    Be patient, recognizing that healing is a gradual process

Common FAQ About Trauma

  • No. While many people have trauma reactions, not everyone develops post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Responses vary widely.

  • Yes. Trauma often impacts both—causing physical tension, headaches, or digestive issues alongside emotional symptoms.

  • Yes. Children may show trauma through behavioral changes, regression (acting younger than their age), or physical complaints rather than verbalizing distress.

  • Many people experience significant healing, though the memories may not disappear. Recovery is about reducing distress, regaining safety, and building resilience.

  • Yes. Research shows trauma can affect families across generations, both through learned behaviors and sometimes even biological changes.

  • Not always. Some people heal through personal resilience, support networks, and self-care. But therapy is often helpful when symptoms persist or feel overwhelming.