Trauma 101 Understanding and Healing from Trauma
“Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."
— Dr. Gabor Maté
At Acadia Psychotherapy, we recognize that trauma is a deeply transformative experience that can leave lasting emotional and physical imprints. Whether it stems from a single event or a series of ongoing stressors, trauma affects every part of who you are—your mind, body, and soul. The good news is, trauma healing is possible, and with the right approach, you can regain control of your life. At our practice, we specialize in EMDR therapy, somatic techniques, and nervous system regulation to offer a holistic path to healing. In this post, we’ll explore what trauma is, how it impacts the body and mind, and how we help you heal through specialized techniques.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma occurs when an event or series of events overwhelms your ability to cope. These experiences leave emotional wounds that impact your thoughts, behavior, and relationships. Trauma can manifest in different ways, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and dissociation, and it affects both the emotional and physical parts of the brain and body.
There are three primary types of trauma:
Acute Trauma: This results from a single overwhelming event, such as an accident or physical assault.
Chronic Trauma: This stems from prolonged exposure to distressing situations, like ongoing emotional abuse or neglect.
Complex Trauma: Often caused by repeated trauma over time, especially in childhood, leading to disruptions in emotional and relational functioning.
The impact of trauma can show up in ways that feel beyond your control, but with expert guidance, trauma can be processed and healed.
How Trauma Affects the Brain, Body, and Nervous System
Trauma affects both the brain and the body, disrupting normal patterns of functioning and leaving lasting emotional and physical imprints that require healing.
The Brain and Trauma:
When trauma occurs, the amygdala (responsible for detecting threats) goes into survival mode, heightening emotional responses. The hippocampus, which helps us make sense of experiences, may struggle to process and integrate traumatic memories, leading to difficulty recalling or even blocking out the event. The prefrontal cortex, which regulates reasoning and decision-making, can become underactive, making it difficult to process emotions rationally.
The Body and Trauma:
Trauma doesn’t just stay in your mind—it’s also stored in your body. Our somatic system (the body’s experience of sensation) can become tense, constricted, or numb as a result of traumatic events. This can lead to chronic pain, digestive issues, or a general sense of being "disconnected" from your body.
Over time, trauma may cause the nervous system to become dysregulated, leaving you in a perpetual state of fight, flight, or freeze. This hyper-arousal can affect your ability to sleep, relax, or focus, further intensifying the emotional impact of the trauma.
How EMDR, Somatics, and Nervous System Regulation Help Heal Trauma
At Acadia Psychotherapy, we integrate EMDR therapy, somatic techniques, and nervous system regulation to help you process trauma effectively, allowing for long-term healing and emotional freedom. These modalities work together to help regulate the body’s response to trauma, reprocess traumatic memories, and restore emotional balance.
EMDR Therapy: Reprocessing Trauma
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that uses bilateral stimulation (typically in the form of eye movements) to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. Through EMDR, we help clients process the trauma stored in the brain, reducing its emotional intensity. The memory isn’t erased, but it is reprocessed so it no longer carries the same emotional weight. EMDR allows clients to regain control, heal, and move forward with confidence.
Somatic Techniques: Reconnecting the Body and Mind
Somatic therapy focuses on the body’s sensations and helps individuals reconnect with their physical experience. When trauma is stored in the body, it can create tension, numbness, or a sense of disconnection. Somatic techniques involve body awareness, movement, and breathing exercises to release stored trauma and restore balance. Through these practices, we help clients become more present in their bodies and promote healing from the inside out.
Nervous System Regulation: Restoring Calm and Safety
Trauma can cause the nervous system to remain in a constant state of hyper-arousal or “fight-or-flight.” Nervous system regulation involves practices that help bring the body back into a state of calm and safety. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, grounding exercises, and self-soothing practices help recalibrate the nervous system, so it can return to its natural state of balance. By learning how to manage and regulate the body’s stress response, individuals can regain a sense of safety and relaxation.
Signs You May Be Experiencing Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always present itself in obvious ways, but there are common signs that may indicate you’re struggling with its effects:
Intrusive memories or flashbacks of traumatic events.
Hyperarousal—feeling anxious, restless, or constantly on edge.
Avoidance—avoiding certain places, people, or reminders of the trauma.
Physical symptoms such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or fatigue.
Emotional numbness or difficulty connecting with others.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a sign that trauma may be affecting your life and healing is necessary.
The Path to Healing: What to Expect
Healing from trauma takes time, but it’s absolutely possible with the right support and tools. Here’s what you can expect during your healing journey:
Personalized Therapy: We’ll work together to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, incorporating EMDR, somatic practices, and nervous system regulation to support your healing process.
Safe, Compassionate Space: You’ll receive compassionate care that meets you where you are, respecting your pace and emotional readiness.
Healing Beyond Talk: Our therapies go beyond traditional talk therapy to address both your mind and body, providing a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery.
Ongoing Support: Healing is an ongoing process, and we’ll be there every step of the way to help you regain control and move forward with a renewed sense of peace.
When to Seek Help for Trauma
If you’ve experienced trauma and find yourself struggling to cope, it’s important to seek help. EMDR therapy, somatic therapy, and nervous system regulation can all help you process and heal trauma, allowing you to live a life free from its grip.
At Acadia Psychotherapy, we specialize in trauma-informed therapy, using these innovative and effective tools to help you heal. If you're ready to take the next step in your recovery, we’re here to guide and support you.
Contact us today to begin your journey toward healing and wholeness.
