Understanding Trauma & PTSD

Trauma isn’t just something that happened in the past—it’s how our minds and bodies had to adapt to survive. Trauma shapes the very way we relate to ourselves, others, and our emotions.

Trauma blocks emotional truth.
When overwhelming events occur—especially in childhood—our minds often protect us by disconnecting from unbearable emotions like grief, rage, or terror.

Symptoms are signals of unresolved emotion.
Flashbacks, emotional numbness, chronic shame, anxiety, and difficulty trusting others often reflect emotional truths that had to be buried to survive.

Avoidance keeps the trauma alive.
To avoid pain, we may develop defenses like intellectualizing, people-pleasing, dissociation, or withdrawal. Over time, these strategies can lead to depression, isolation, or physical symptoms.

Healing happens when you stop running.
My job is to gently help you face the emotional truths you’ve been protecting yourself from—at a pace your nervous system can tolerate and integrate.

The goal isn’t to relive the trauma—but to resolve its impact.
By building strength to feel and process previously avoided emotions, you can reclaim energy, connection, and a deeper sense of self.

Transformation is possible.
When trauma is met with courage, skillful therapy, and compassion, what once felt like a life sentence can become a turning point for healing.