Trauma

Trauma is a monster of shapes and sizes.

For some, it results from a singular, life-altering event that leaves scars that never fully heal.

For others, it’s a series of small, chronic events that chip away at the soul, leaving a trail of brokenness and pain.

“Big T” Trauma

It’s like being hit by a freight train – things like sexual assault, physical violence, or a natural disaster that create a sudden and intense impact that leaves behind physical, emotional, and psychological wounds that are difficult to heal. It’s a feeling of being utterly overwhelmed – like the world has been turned upside down and nothing will ever be the same again.

“Little T” Trauma

It might be more subtle, but it’s no less damaging – things like bullying, emotional neglect, or ongoing discrimination, which can feel like a slow drip of poison, gradually eroding self-esteem, trust, and a sense of safety in the world.

Trauma’s not just a psychological issue.

It’s a physiological issue, too.

When you experience trauma, your body goes into survival mode, triggering a cascade of stress hormones that prepare you to fight or flee.

In the short term, this response is designed to be life-saving, allowing you to escape danger. But when trauma is ongoing or unresolved, you are always in survival mode. This stress response becomes chronic, leading to various physical and mental health issues: chronic pain, sleep disturbances, digestive problems, autoimmune disorders, and compulsive behaviors.

But there’s good news…

Healing from trauma is possible.

No matter what kind of trauma you’ve experienced – whether you’re dealing with the aftermath of a single traumatic event or the effects of chronic stress and neglect – there are things you can do to start feeling better.

Looking at the past…

This may include exploring how your early childhood experiences shaped your responses to stress and contributed to your trauma. Your brain is still developing when you are young, and your experiences shape the neural pathways that influence your current responses to stress. If you grew up in an environment that was chaotic or abusive, for example, your brain learns to respond to stress with heightened vigilance and fear.

Looking at your body…

Part of our work together will involve teaching you how to tune into the sensations in your body. By paying attention to these bodily sensations and learning to release them, we can create space for healing and restore a sense of safety within your body.

Creating stability in the body is crucial since trauma can disrupt the body’s autonomic nervous system, leading to chronic states of fight, flight, or freeze. Using techniques like breathing exercises, mindfulness, and yoga, we will support the regulation of your nervous system and restore a sense of safety and connection to the world around you.

Healing from trauma takes time and work…

But with the right tools and support, you can start feeling like yourself again.

Using a holistic, integrative approach, we’ll address the physical, emotional, and spiritual layers of who you are, helping you heal from the inside out.

It’s a journey worth taking!

Let’s start making a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Call today for your free consultation: (949) 691-4099.