What is Trauma?

Have you ever felt your heart race, your muscles tense, or your mind go blank—without knowing why? Sometimes, our bodies remember things that our minds try to forget. That’s the invisible imprint of trauma.

Trauma is a psychological and emotional response to an event or series of events that are deeply distressing, overwhelming, or threatening. These events can leave a lasting impact on a person’s sense of safety, self, and ability to cope with life.

Trauma doesn’t just affect thoughts and emotions—it can also show up in the body. Many people experience symptoms like anxiety, numbness, hypervigilance, sleep problems, trouble concentrating, or difficulty in relationships. Trauma is remembered through our feelings and our bodies. 

Trauma causes unconscious reactions in the body caused by triggers. Triggers can happen constantly because the brain errs on the "better to be safe than sorry" principle meaning it is better to assume danger than to trust safety.  Triggers come in all forms including external and emotional triggers such as: sights, sounds, smells, anniversary or dates, emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts and memories. 

How can counseling help with Trauma? 

A supportive counseling environment offers a safe space to explore trauma and its effects on the body. Counseling can help by teaching the client how to understand the impact of trauma and process the experiences. 

Through this process, clients can begin to understand how trauma has shaped their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. With guidance, they learn to identify triggers and develop healthier ways to cope.

This work helps individuals with trauma feel heard, validated, and empowered to make sense of their experiences.

While the past cannot be changed, therapy can foster healing—helping clients move forward with greater strength, clarity, and peace.

Fisher, J. (2022). The living legacy of trauma flip chart: A psychoeducational in-session tool for clients and therapists. PESI Publishing.