“The past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.”
Trauma
What Is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when an experience overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless, unsafe, or out of control.
It may show up as:
Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Anxiety, hypervigilance, or feeling constantly “on edge”
Emotional numbness or detachment
Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships
Strong emotional reactions to reminders of the event
Physical symptoms like tension, fatigue, or sleep problems
Trauma can change how the brain and nervous system respond to stress, making it harder to feel safe—even in situations that are not dangerous.
How Is Trauma Treated?
Trauma is treatable, and healing is possible. Effective treatment focuses on restoring a sense of safety, processing experiences, and building coping skills.
1. Trauma-Informed Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Somatic therapies that focus on the body’s response to trauma
2. Building Safety & Stabilization
Developing grounding and coping skills
Creating predictable routines
Strengthening supportive relationships
3. Processing the Trauma
Gradually working through memories in a safe, supported way
Reducing the intensity of emotional and physical reactions
4. Mind-Body Approaches
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
Breathing exercises and body awareness
Movement-based practices (yoga, gentle exercise)
5. Support Systems
Therapy, peer support, and trusted relationships
Community and connection
Healing from trauma is not about “forgetting” what happened—it’s about reducing its impact so it no longer controls your life.
Learn more about Trauma
Click on any of the bullet points listed below to access the described website
Therapists Who Specialize in Trauma