Healing Trauma: More Than Just Understanding
Gabor Maté defines trauma as “not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.” Similarly, Bessel van der Kolk describes it as “the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside people.” These definitions remind us that trauma isn’t just about the past—it’s about how those experiences continue to affect us in the present, shaping our emotions, thoughts, and even our physical well-being."
Beyond Words: The Key to Healing
While understanding and talking about trauma can be important, true healing goes deeper. Trauma often lives in the body, showing up as tension, restlessness, chronic pain, or emotional overwhelm. This is why healing isn’t just about thinking differently—it’s about learning to regulate emotions, reconnect with the body, and create a sense of safety within.
The Process Takes Time
There’s no quick fix for trauma, but healing is absolutely possible. Through therapy, mindfulness, movement, or body-based techniques, people can learn to calm their nervous systems, process emotions, and gradually reclaim their sense of wholeness. Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about building a life where the past no longer controls you. With patience, the right support, and self-compassion, transformation is possible.