Trauma can be a result of various experiences. It could be an experience or experiences that left us overwhelmed, shocked, threatened, or unable to get away or fight back. It’s what happens due to not having our needs met, a safe place or person to help protect us, soothe us or teach us how to help soothe ourselves when under intense stress. Trauma also happens when our bodies shut down into a frozen state, and we become stuck in that state. In essence, trauma is when the body/nervous system is stuck in a place of not feeling safe, so it does not know how to regulate itself. We feel stuck. We feel overwhelmed.

In terms of the brain – how the brain stores shock as memory also involves intense reactions and physical distress. If the information isn’t stored efficiently, it may lead to changes within the neuro network. Because everyone responds differently to traumatic events, we may have some reactions to a greater degree than others. Some of us may not have any at all. Feeling an array of emotions and changes to sleep, eating and thought patterns after trauma can happen. Some people have intense or severe symptoms immediately after the trauma, some feel better within a few days or months, and others recover more slowly. Others feel fine at first but need support later on.

Trauma can significantly impact our lives and our relationships. The good news is that it can be healed. We can heal with understanding, support and guidance, techniques and tools that can be provided within the therapy process. Trauma does not have to define us or our lives; we can live a life beyond trauma.