What Is Trauma Therapy? Understanding the Process of Healing

When we think of trauma, we often imagine big, catastrophic events. But trauma can also be subtle, chronic, or relational. It’s not just about what happened—it’s about how your body and mind responded to help you survive. And sometimes, those survival strategies linger long after the threat is gone.

You may notice yourself feeling anxious or shut down, stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, or reacting more intensely than you’d like. You may even find yourself asking, “Why is this still affecting me?”

This is where trauma therapy can help.

Trauma Is Not Just in the Past—It Lives in the Present

Trauma affects how we think, feel, relate to others, and experience our bodies. It may show up as:

• Feeling numb, disconnected, or “checked out”
• Difficulty trusting others or setting boundaries
• Panic, anxiety, or persistent fear
• Low self-esteem or shame
• Chronic stress, fatigue, or health issues
• Reactions that feel bigger than the situation

As trauma expert Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains, trauma is not just a psychological experience—it’s a physical one too. “The body keeps the score,” he writes, and healing must engage both the mind and nervous system (van der Kolk, 2015).

What to Expect in Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy is a collaborative, paced, and compassionate process. You are always in charge of your story. We move at a speed that feels manageable and respectful of where you are in your healing.

Here’s what the process often includes:

1. Building Safety and Trust

We begin by creating a space where you can feel emotionally safe and physically grounded. According to Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, a sense of safety is essential to healing because the nervous system can’t process trauma when it’s in a constant state of threat or shutdown (Porges, 2021).

2. Understanding Your Patterns and History

You may begin to see how your past experiences shaped your current patterns—such as people-pleasing, shutting down, perfectionism, or emotional reactivity. We explore these gently and without judgment.

3. Using Evidence-Based Tools for Healing

Depending on your needs, trauma therapy may include modalities such as:

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Somatic (body-based) practices
• Narrative and expressive therapies

These approaches help the brain and body reprocess traumatic material in a way that restores balance and a sense of agency (APA, 2023).

4. Reclaiming Connection, Self-Worth, and Joy

As you heal, we work on strengthening your boundaries, reconnecting with your values, and fostering a deeper relationship with yourself. Healing is not just about pain relief—it’s about reclaiming a sense of wholeness and vitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about everything?
No. You are always in control of what you share. We focus on what feels helpful and safe. Sometimes healing happens through emotions, imagery, or sensations—without retelling every detail.

What if I don’t remember everything?
That’s okay. Trauma is stored in many ways—not just in memory. We work with what’s present for you now, whether that’s a physical feeling, emotional reaction, or relational pattern.

How long does trauma therapy take?
There’s no fixed timeline. Some people come for short-term support, others stay longer to do deeper work. It’s your process. We revisit your goals together as you grow and shift.

A Final Thought

Trauma therapy is not about fixing you—because you are not broken. It’s about helping you understand what happened to you, how it shaped you, and how you want to move forward. The way your mind and body adapted was wise. Now, we create space for healing.

You don’t have to do it alone. Support is here.

References

American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

Porges, S. W. (2021). Polyvagal theory: The transformative power of feeling safe. Norton.

van der Kolk, B. A. (2015). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.