Trauma is the emotional and psychological response to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. These experiences can include abuse, neglect, accidents, violence, loss, or other events that create a lasting sense of fear, helplessness, or vulnerability. Trauma doesn’t always stem from one major event—it can also result from ongoing stress, such as emotional neglect or living in an unsafe environment. The impact of trauma can show up in many ways, including anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and difficulty trusting others. Left unaddressed, trauma can affect both mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Therapy can be a powerful tool for healing from trauma. It offers a safe, supportive environment where individuals can process their experiences at their own pace. Therapists trained in trauma-informed care use approaches that emphasize safety, empowerment, and trust. Evidence-based therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help clients reprocess painful memories, reduce emotional distress, and build healthier coping skills. The Trauma-Informed Stabilization Treatment (TIST) model is another effective approach that integrates parts work with somatic awareness to help individuals manage internal conflict and feel more grounded in the present. Through therapy, individuals can begin to understand how trauma has affected them, reclaim their sense of self, and move toward recovery with greater strength, resilience, and hope for the future.