Trauma is our emotional response to an experience that makes us feel unsafe and continues to impact us long after the event. It’s important to emphasize that trauma is a reaction, meaning two individuals can undergo the same experience, but only one may consider it traumatic based on their emotional response. We highlight this to stress that trauma is unique to the individual experiencing it. An individual can experience trauma from a single event or multiple events over a longer period of time. There is no ‘wrong’ way to experience trauma, nor should it be dismissed because the event wasn’t considered 'big' enough.

Trauma can have a deep impact on an individual, often altering how they see the world, feel, or interact with others. Survivors of trauma may feel as though they are in a constant state of fight or flight, driven by the persistent feeling that something bad might happen. This state can affect one's self-worth, ability to cope, and capacity to foster healthier relationships, ultimately leaving the individual feeling unsafe. If left unaddressed, this can lead the individual to seek unhealthy methods of regaining a sense of safety and control, such as drug use, developing codependent relationships, or even engaging in self-harming behaviors.

Many individuals navigating trauma often describe a sense of losing control, feeling as if their life is 'spiraling' or no longer within their control. A key component in working with trauma survivors is helping them regain control of their lives. However, this can be challenging, as individuals may not fully recognize or may have difficulty acknowledging their trauma due to feelings of shame or embarrassment. Cultural and societal factors can further complicate this process. For example, if someone grew up in an environment where mental health was rarely discussed, it may be harder for them to navigate trauma as an adult due to preconceived notions about mental health. Additionally, some trauma survivors may deny or downplay their experiences as a coping mechanism, avoiding attention to their pain.

As previously mentioned, trauma survivors often feel unsafe and unsupported in their environments. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to process and discuss experiences that might feel too difficult to confront elsewhere. Recalling painful memories can be uncomfortable, but in therapy, you are not alone. Together, we will face your trauma head-on, exploring and processing it at a pace that works for you. Along the way, we will build strength and healing, developing tools to better regulate emotions related to trauma. Ultimately, therapy can help you regain the sense of control over your life that you may have once felt you lost.