Trauma is a word we hear often, yet many people are unsure what it truly means or whether their own experiences “count.”
Trauma isn’t defined by the event itself but by the emotional, physical, and psychological impact it leaves behind. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsafe, powerless, or changed after a difficult experience, you are not alone—and your experience matters.
In counselling, we view trauma not as a personal weakness, but as a natural response to something that felt too much, too soon, or too fast for your nervous system to handle.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma can stem from a single event—such as an accident, loss, medical emergency, or assault—or from ongoing experiences like childhood neglect, emotional abuse, chronic stress, or unstable relationships.
It often leads to symptoms that linger long after the event has passed, including:
- Persistent anxiety or hypervigilance
- Sleep difficulties or nightmares
- Sudden anger, irritability, or emotional numbness
- Difficulty trusting others
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or your surroundings
- Intrusive thoughts or memories
- Avoidance of reminders related to the event
These reactions are your body’s way of trying to cope, protect, and survive.
How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Trauma isn’t just “in your head.” It impacts the nervous system, shaping how you respond to stress and how safe you feel in the world. You may find yourself stuck in:
- Fight or Flight: Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, restless, or easily startled.
- Freeze: Feeling numb, detached, or unable to make decisions.
- Fawn: People-pleasing or over-accommodating to keep peace.
Recognising these patterns is often the first step toward healing.
You Are Not Defined by What Happened to You
Many people silently struggle, believing they should “just get over it.” Trauma often requires support, care, and space to process. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means learning to live with greater safety, connection, and self-compassion.
How Counselling can help with Trauma
Trauma-informed counselling provides a calm, supportive environment where you can:
- Feel safe: Safety, (emotional, physical, and relational) is the foundation of healing.
- Understand your responses: Together, we explore how trauma has shaped your thoughts, behaviours, and emotions without judgment.
- Rebuild connection: Trauma can make relationships feel difficult or unsafe. Therapy supports you in reconnecting with yourself and others.
- Develop regulation skills: Grounding, breathing, and body-based strategies help calm the nervous system and reduce overwhelm.
- Process memories at your own pace: When you’re ready, we can gently work through painful experiences in a controlled, supported way.
Healing Is Possible
Trauma may shape your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. With support, your nervous system can learn to relax again, your relationships can feel safer, and life can start to feel more open and hopeful.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and understanding. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Complete my contact form or email gemmahaynecounselling@gmail.com, and I will get back to you to arrange a free (up to) 30 minute phone call to discuss your needs, answer any questions and book an assessment for you.