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Understanding Trauma: Unbearable, Overwhelming, Unbelievable

Understanding Trauma: Overcoming the Unbearable, the Overwhelming, and the Unbelievable

This week with the Southern California fires, I’ve witnessed a lot of trauma. Trauma is a word often used in everyday conversation, but its true essence is profoundly personal and deeply impactful. It shapes lives, alters perceptions, and influences how we navigate the world. For those experiencing trauma, it’s not just an event from the past; it’s an ongoing struggle in the present. As a trauma therapist in San Diego specializing in somatic trauma therapy, PTSD, EMDR, and Compassionate Inquiry, I’m here to provide insight into how trauma affects us and how healing is possible.

What Is Trauma?

At its core, trauma occurs when events are overwhelming, unbearable, or unbelievable. It can be a single, catastrophic event or a series of smaller events that build up over time. Trauma can be the loss of a home in a fire, loss of a loved one, or loss of a job.   It can also be dealing with the aftermath in the recovery.  Trauma represents a loss of safety—psychological, physical, or both. When faced with these experiences, the body and mind respond in ways designed to protect us in the moment but may leave lasting effects.

Trauma is not just about what happened; it’s about how the event was processed by the body and mind. For some, a car accident might be a fleeting memory, while for others, it’s a constant source of anxiety. Trauma is deeply individual.

Understanding Trauma Types

Trauma can be categorized in various ways, each with unique challenges and implications:

  1. Acute Trauma: Resulting from a single incident, such as an assault or accident.
  2. Chronic Trauma: Ongoing exposure to distressing events, such as abuse or neglect.
  3. Complex Trauma: A combination of multiple traumatic events, often involving interpersonal relationships, like childhood abuse.
  4. Secondary Trauma: Indirect exposure to trauma, often experienced by first responders or caregivers.

Understanding the type of trauma is a critical first step in creating a pathway to healing.

How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body

Trauma is stored not just in the mind but also in the body. The groundbreaking work of researchers and therapists has shown that trauma alters brain function, emotional regulation, and physical health. The body remembers what the mind may want to forget.

  • The Brain: Trauma can shift the brain into a constant state of fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. The amygdala, responsible for processing fear, becomes overactive, while the prefrontal cortex, which regulates decision-making, struggles to function effectively.
  • The Body: Trauma lives in the nervous system, manifesting as tension, chronic pain, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances. These physical symptoms often persist even when the traumatic event is long past.
  • Emotional Impact: Trauma impacts self-esteem, relationships, and the ability to trust. Many people develop coping mechanisms—like avoidance or overwork—that, while helpful initially, may create new challenges over time.

The Loss of Safety

Safety is a cornerstone of human well-being. Trauma robs individuals of their sense of safety, both externally and internally. This loss can manifest as:

  • Hypervigilance: Always being on edge, expecting danger.
  • Dissociation: Feeling disconnected from reality or oneself.
  • Emotional Numbing: Avoiding feelings altogether to protect against further pain.

Reclaiming a sense of safety is one of the most critical goals in trauma therapy. It begins by creating an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and understood without judgment.

Pathways to Healing

Healing from trauma is not about erasing the past; it’s about reclaiming the present. With the right tools and support, individuals can learn to integrate their experiences and move forward. Here are some therapeutic approaches that I use in my practice:

  1. Somatic Trauma Therapy Somatic therapy focuses on the body’s role in trauma. By noticing and releasing stored tension, clients can begin to restore balance to their nervous system. This approach emphasizes the connection between physical sensations and emotional well-being.
  2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR is a powerful tool for processing traumatic memories. By engaging both sides of the brain through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, clients can reframe their experiences and reduce the emotional charge of past events.
  3. Compassionate Inquiry This approach explores the root causes of trauma, often buried deep in subconscious thought patterns. Through guided self-reflection and therapist support, clients uncover and address the underlying issues that perpetuate their distress.
  4. Body and Breath Awareness Mindfulness techniques help clients stay present and grounded, reducing the pull of traumatic memories. Breathwork can calm the nervous system and create space for healing.

Understanding Trauma in Everyday Life

Trauma doesn’t always look like a flashback or a panic attack. It can show up in more subtle ways:

  • Struggling to maintain healthy relationships.
  • Feeling unworthy or “not enough.”
  • Avoiding situations that remind you of past pain.
  • Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue without a clear medical cause.

If any of these resonate, it’s worth exploring whether trauma might be playing a role.

The Importance of Seeking Help

Trauma is not something you have to face alone. Working with a trained trauma therapist can help you:

  • Understand your experiences.
  • Develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Reclaim a sense of safety and control in your life.

As a trauma therapist in San Diego, I’ve helped countless individuals navigate their healing journey. My goal is to create a compassionate space where you feel empowered to face the past and embrace the future.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Healing from trauma is a journey, but you don’t have to take it alone. If you’re ready to explore how somatic trauma therapy, EMDR, or Compassionate Inquiry can help, I’m here to support you.

Reach out today to schedule a consultation call. Email Shay DuBois at shay@overcomeanxietytrauma.com to take the first step toward a brighter, more balanced life.

Remember, healing is possible, and you are worthy of it. Let’s work together to overcome anxiety and trauma, one step at a time.