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Understanding Trauma: What It Is and How Healing Begins

Dr. Shirin Yekekar

Oct 11, 2024

Trauma is more common than many people realize. It doesn’t always come from a single, dramatic event—sometimes, it’s the result of prolonged stress, neglect, or a series of difficult experiences that quietly take a toll over time.

What Trauma Can Look Like

Trauma isn’t one-size-fits-all. What feels traumatic to one person may not affect someone else in the same way. That’s because trauma is defined not just by what happened, but by how the nervous system responds to it. Some people experience trauma after a car accident, natural disaster, or assault. Others may be deeply affected by emotional abuse, childhood neglect, or the sudden loss of a loved one.


People dealing with trauma may experience:

  • Intrusive memories or flashbacks

  • Nightmares or trouble sleeping

  • Anxiety, irritability, or emotional numbness

  • Avoidance of certain places, people, or situations

  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or low self-worth


These responses are not signs of weakness—they are natural reactions to something overwhelming. But when trauma goes unaddressed, it can affect relationships, work, health, and overall quality of life.


How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body

Trauma doesn't just live in the mind—it affects the whole body. When someone experiences trauma, their nervous system can become "stuck" in a state of hyper-alertness (fight-or-flight) or shutdown (freeze). This is why some people feel constantly on edge, while others feel detached or disconnected.


Over time, unresolved trauma can impact brain function, memory, mood regulation, and even immune health. Understanding this connection is essential in treating trauma with compassion rather than judgment.


Healing Is Possible

The good news is that trauma is treatable—and healing is possible. Therapy can offer a safe, supportive space to process traumatic experiences, learn new coping tools, and begin to rebuild a sense of safety and trust.


There are several evidence-based approaches to trauma therapy, including:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

  • Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Mindfulness-based and body-centered therapies


The most important part of trauma therapy is the relationship between you and your therapist. Feeling safe, heard, and respected is the foundation for any healing work. A trauma-informed therapist will move at your pace and help you explore your experiences without pressure or re-traumatization.


You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone

If you’re living with the weight of trauma, know that you're not alone—and you don't have to keep carrying it by yourself. Reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, but it's also a powerful first step toward healing.


Whether your trauma is recent or from many years ago, whether it's clearly defined or hard to put into words, your experience matters. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting what happened; it means learning to live fully again without being held captive by the past.


At our practice, we’re here to walk alongside you—offering care, compassion, and the tools to help you find your way forward. If you're ready to begin or even just explore what healing could look like, we invite you to reach out. You're not broken. You're human. And healing is possible.

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