What is Trauma
Understanding the Impact of Overwhelming Experiences
Definition:
Trauma is the emotional and physiological response to deeply distressing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. These experiences can be acute (a single event, such as an accident or assault), chronic (ongoing exposure, such as abuse), or complex (repeated trauma, often beginning in childhood).
When the brain perceives danger, it activates survival responses — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Trauma occurs when the body remains in this heightened state long after the threat has passed, affecting mood, relationships, and overall well-being.
How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Trauma influences both emotional and biological systems. It can alter the functioning of the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex — regions involved in memory, safety, and regulation.**
This is why trauma symptoms often appear as both emotional (fear, anger, numbness) and physical (tension, sleep issues, fatigue). Healing must therefore involve both the mind and body.
Recovery and Healing
Healing begins with safety and compassion. Evidence-based therapies such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused CBT help the nervous system reprocess experiences safely.
At Life Wellness Therapy, we focus on helping clients reconnect with their sense of safety and self-trust, one step at a time.
Why It Matters
Recognizing trauma allows us to shift from shame to understanding. Trauma is not a weakness — it’s the body’s attempt to survive. With care and support, people can heal, grow, and reclaim joy.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed., text rev.; DSM-5-TR).
van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Penguin Books.
Perry, B. D., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What Happened to You? Flatiron Books.
** These brain regions regulate fear, memory, and decision-making. Chronic stress can alter how they communicate, leading to heightened vigilance or emotional numbness.
