Understanding Trauma – When the Past Still Lives in the Present

A trauma is a wound — and wounds can heal.
There may be a scar, but the wound itself can recover.

Trauma teaches you to close your heart and build walls.
Healing teaches you to open your heart and set healthy boundaries.

Don't be afraid of life's storms — they don't create chaos.
They clear away what no longer serves you.

One of the most compassionate things we can do for ourselvesis to allow the healing to begin.

Many people experience traumatic events at some point in their lives. These may include violence, accidents, natural disasters, the loss of a loved one, sexual abuse, physical injury, or long-term experiences such as neglect or repeated exposure to violence.

Trauma can arise from sudden, unexpected events or from situations that persist over time.

Such experiences can be deeply distressing, and almost everyone who goes through them shows some form of traumatic reaction — at least temporarily.
As Gabor Maté said:

"Trauma is not what happens to us, but what happens inside us as a result of what happens to us."

The Body's Stress Response

In traumatic situations, the brain releases large amounts of stress hormones. This activates survival responses in the body — the so-called fight, flight, or freeze mechanisms. Areas of the brain not essential to survival temporarily shut down.

While these reactions help us survive in the moment, they often cause problems later — especially if the nervous system doesn't recognize that the threat is over. The body stays in a state of high alert, even when we are safe.

This ongoing state of stress can lead to emotional and physical symptoms such as:

• Irritability

• Panic attacks

• Exhaustion

• Anxiety

• Restlessness

• Sleep disturbances

• Difficulty concentrating

How Trauma Therapy Can Help

In trauma therapy, we gently work with these reactions.
The brain and body need to learn that the danger is over — so that healing and regulation can begin. A sense of safety is essential.

We don't force a confrontation with the past. Instead, we focus on the here and now, and explore what is needed for your nervous system to settle and feel safe again. The past cannot be changed — but what you do in the present is in your hands.

I will accompany you through this process with care, safety, and at your own pace.

Trauma can heal. You don't have to go through it alone.