What Is Trauma, Really? (It’s Not Just the “Big Stuff”)
“I Don’t Think What I Went Through Counts as Trauma…”
If that thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone.
A lot of people think trauma only “counts” if it was something extreme—like war, abuse, or a major accident. And
while those are definitely traumatic experiences, they’re not the only ones.
Trauma isn’t just about what happened. It’s about how your body and mind responded to it.
So, What Is Trauma?
In simple terms, trauma is anything that overwhelmed your nervous system and left you feeling unsafe, stuck,
or alone. It’s less about the event itself and more about how your nervous system experienced it.
Sometimes trauma is loud and obvious.
Other times, it’s quiet, slow, or invisible to the outside world.
You can be traumatized by:
- A toxic relationship
- Growing up with emotionally unavailable parents
- Bullying
- A difficult medical experience
- Living in survival mode for too long
- Feeling unseen, unheard, or unimportant
- Losing someone or something important to you
You don’t have to justify your pain. If something still affects you now—emotionally, mentally, or physically—it matters.
Common Signs of Trauma
Trauma doesn’t always look like panic attacks or flashbacks. Sometimes it’s subtle. You might notice:
- Always being “on alert” or jumpy
- Trouble sleeping or relaxing
- Avoiding certain people, places, or memories
- Feeling disconnected or numb
- Difficulty trusting others or setting boundaries
- Shame, guilt, or self-blame
- Chronic overthinking or people-pleasing
It can even show up in your body—through headaches, tension, stomach issues, or fatigue.
Why Trauma Can Get “Stuck”
Your brain and body are designed to protect you. When something overwhelming happens, your system goes into
fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode to keep you safe.
But if that stress response doesn’t fully reset (which is common), the trauma can get “stuck” in your nervous
system—like your body is still bracing for danger, even if the threat is long gone.
That’s why you might know you’re safe now, but still feel on edge, anxious, or down. Your body hasn’t gotten the
memo
Can You Heal from Trauma?
Yes—absolutely.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Trauma therapy is about gently helping your mind and body feel safe again. That might include:
- Naming and validating what happened (without reliving every detail)
- Learning to feel your feelings without getting overwhelmed
- Reconnecting with your sense of self and your boundaries
- Using tools like EMDR to help your brain process and release stuck memories
Healing isn’t about “getting over it.” It’s about giving yourself the support you didn’t have at the time—and finding
peace, strength, and clarity moving forward.
Trauma Therapy That Feels Human
If you’re in Chicago and looking for trauma therapy that doesn’t feel cold or clinical, I’m here to help. My approach is
warm, compassionate, and tailored to you. Whether your trauma is big, small, old, or recent—it’s real, and you
deserve to heal
