Trauma Therapy Explained: How It Helps with Healing and Recovery

What is trauma?

Trauma Therapy Explained: How It Helps with Healing and Recovery

Gabor Maté said that “trauma is not what happens to you, trauma is what happens inside of you as a result of what happens to you”. Trauma is psychic wound that has a lasting effect on our mind, body and nervous system. Trauma can originate from accidents, natural disasters, personal losses, abuse, neglect and violence as well as witnessing any of these actions. While some traumatic experiences are overt, others may be subtle, such as ongoing emotional neglect or witnessing distressing events. This can come from our experiences in childhood, with behaviours being normalised, we might not even recognise trauma that we have experienced. Trauma can also be passed down through generations unless it is processed.

Recognising Trauma

Trauma doesn't always manifest through obvious signs; it often weaves itself into the fabric of our daily lives, particularly affecting relationships and our capacity to connect with others and with ourselves and how safe we feel in the world. You might a notice:

• Challenges in Forming Close Relationships: A lingering sense of distrust or fear of vulnerability can hinder deep connections.

• Emotional Numbness: Feeling detached or disconnected from your own emotions or those of others.

• Avoidance Behaviours: Steering clear of situations or conversations that might trigger distressing memories.

• Hypervigilance: Being constantly on edge, anticipating potential threats even in safe environments.

• Finding yourself constantly procrastinating: Procrastination can really be a freeze response, one of your body’s very clever adaption skills to keep you safe.

These subtle signs can accumulate, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression.

Approaches to Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy is designed to help individuals process past experiences, regulate emotions, and restore a sense of safety. More complex trauma such as CPTSD, PTSD and borderline personality traits require a more in-depth, specialist approach. At Clear Mind London I am a trained trauma therapist with my focus on your individual needs. I work beyond the surface level so that we can explore and become curious about what happened to you in a safe, containing environment without being retraumatised.

Healing from trauma is a personal journey, and various therapeutic approaches can facilitate recovery:

• Talk Therapy (Psychotherapy): To have your story and experiences witnessed can be incredibly powerful. Together we can build a stable and trusting relationship, creating a safe place for you to explore your traumatic experiences and the impact that this has had on your life. This isn’t about “fixing” you, but reclaiming your sense of self, safety and authenticity.

• Somatic Therapy: Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind—it lives in the body. Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between physical sensations, emotions, and trauma responses, helping individuals release stored tension and restore a sense of calm.

- Why it works: Traumatic experiences often trigger the body's fight, flight, or freeze response, leaving behind chronic tension, dissociation, or emotional overwhelm. Somatic therapy helps the body release these stored responses, promoting a greater sense of balance.

- What to expect: Sessions may include breathwork, sound healing, gentle movement, grounding exercises, or guided body awareness techniques to help regulate the nervous system.

- Who it helps: Somatic therapy is particularly helpful for those who experience chronic stress, panic attacks, dissociation, or physical symptoms linked to trauma.

Common Myths About Trauma Recovery

There are many misconceptions about trauma healing, here are some of the most common myths—debunked.

• Myth #1: Trauma Therapy Means Reliving the Past

Reality: Trauma therapy focuses on processing and healing past experiences, not endlessly rehashing them. You do not need to even know what happened. Many people cannot recall their experiences but can feel the impact in their body and in their present experience.

• Myth #2: If I Ignore It, It Will Go Away

Reality: Unprocessed trauma doesn’t just disappear—it can show up in anxiety, mood swings, relationship difficulties, or even physical symptoms. Therapy provides a safe space to work through these emotions and find relief.

• Myth #3: Only People with PTSD Need Trauma Therapy

Reality: Trauma therapy isn’t just for PTSD. Anyone who has experienced distressing events—whether big or small—can benefit from processing emotions in a supportive way.

• Myth #4: Healing Should Happen Quickly

Reality: Trauma recovery is not a linear process. It takes time, self-compassion, patience, and the right therapeutic support. Each step forward, no matter how small, is part of the healing journey.

Recognising the subtle ways trauma manifests is a courageous step toward healing. Engaging in therapy tailored to your unique experiences can lead to profound personal growth and improved relationships. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and various therapeutic avenues are available to support your journey toward recovery.

Thank you for reading: Trauma Therapy Explained: How It Helps with Healing and Recovery