Healing from Trauma: A Journey of Restoration and Hope

By Mayra Richards, Founder of Remain Connected Counseling

Overview: You have probably experienced trauma or know someone who has experienced trauma. Trauma, by definition, is a deeply disturbing experience that has lasting effects on an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Trauma can stem from multiple things, but the main ones are childhood abuse, military service, natural disasters, or other life-altering events. As a trauma therapist, I love working with trauma because healing is possible. I have seen triggers and negative beliefs decrease. Let's explore the nature of trauma, its effects, and the pathways to healing and restoration.

Understanding Trauma

It's essential to recognize that trauma is not a sign of weakness, but a natural response to overwhelming experiences. It is a way that our bodies let us know that what happened is not normal and it is not ok. Trauma can take many forms, ranging from single incidents to prolonged exposure to adverse circumstances. It can manifest as emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and difficulty trusting others. 

The Impact of Trauma

Trauma has far-reaching effects on an individual's life, relationships, and sense of self. It can disrupt one's ability to regulate emotions, form healthy attachments, and navigate daily life. Sometimes when we think of trauma, we think immediately of sexual abuse, but it does not have to be that alone. Trauma happens when there is a disruption of your life like a car accident, church abuse, or bullying.

For me, I realized I had trauma from my mom’s cancer diagnosis and passing when my sister went to the hospital for appendicitis. The thought of going to visit her brought on a panic attack. I had not been to the hospital since my mother’s death, and my body remembered the anxiety of how it felt going day after day to visit my mom. It remembered the machine noises, the smell, the hallway and my body started to shake. All my mind could think was that my sister was going to die, even though that was not true. Tears started streaming down my face, and I could not breathe. My body was reacting to the trauma it went through two years ago. Before we can heal from trauma we need to understand how it impacts you.

Seeking Professional Help

Healing from trauma often requires professional support from mental health therapists trained in trauma-informed care. These professionals provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore their experiences, process their emotions, and develop coping skills to manage symptoms. Please be mindful that as much as you want to heal from trauma, you have to first establish a healthy and safe therapeutic relationship. You cannot rush the process as it could hurt you more in the long run. Hear me out, I know you want to heal but you also have to be kind to your mind, heart, and soul. Go as slow as your heart feels safe. Therapy modalities such as, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing can be particularly effective in addressing trauma. 

Self-Care and Coping Strategies

So what do you need in addition to therapy? You need a strong support system and self-care practices. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help regulate the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety and hypervigilance. Connecting with supportive friends, family members, or support groups can also provide validation, empathy, and encouragement along the healing journey. You need people in your corner who may not understand but can hold your emotions when you feel triggered or need to process after counseling. Part of community support is having people who you know will pray for you in moments that you need most. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer in your healing journey.

Finding Meaning and Purpose

While trauma can shatter one's sense of safety and security, it can also serve as a catalyst for growth, resilience, and transformation. Many trauma survivors find meaning and purpose in their experiences by advocating for social change, helping others who have experienced similar traumas, or discovering new strengths and talents within themselves; how do you think that the career of counseling came into existence? Not all, but I would say that most counselors have gone through personal traumas and therefore can sit with others as they process their pain. The traumatic events that I have gone through have launched me into who I am today and although I wish those events never happened, I am now at a point in healing where I can hold the pain and embrace the resilience it has created in me. 

Healing from trauma is a journey of courage, resilience, and hope, so much hope. I have seen people receive healing from truly awful events. You are not the exception, there is healing for you too. Nothing is too big for a God who is power and sovereign over all things.

Go seek professional help, practice self-care, and find meaning and purpose in your experiences, you can reclaim your life and move towards a future filled with possibility and joy. It is NOT too late. And always remember, you are not defined by your trauma; you are a survivor, capable of healing and creating a life filled with love, connection, and fulfillment.

Connect with a Licensed Therapist

Message from our licensed therapists at Remain Connected Counseling:

As faith-based counselors serving the Atlanta area, it brings us immense joy to walk alongside individuals who are committed to finishing the race of life well. Regardless of where you find yourself on this journey, know that you are not alone. Your desire for healing is both valid and achievable. It is never too late to heal. It is NEVER too late for you. And God would never give up on you, so don't give up on yourself!

In conclusion, remember this: Your journey toward healing is a testament to your resilience and the unwavering love of a higher power. Embrace it, embrace yourself, and know that the best is yet to come.

Begin Working With A Therapist in Marietta, GA

Please consider reaching out to a qualified therapist. Our team of caring therapists would be honored to offer support with in-person and online services from our Marietta, GA-based practice. You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

• Reach out to talk to a Marietta therapist.

• Have your first appointment at Remain Connected.

• Learn how to wait well.

Other Services Offered at Remain Connected Counseling

Our team knows you may experience other issues in your life. This is why we are happy to offer a variety of services including teen therapy, anxiety treatment, and EMDR therapy. In addition, we also offer life transitions therapy and depression counseling, and more all under a Christian counseling lens. By using online therapy, these services are available to anyone in Georgia. Learn more about our team of dedicated therapists and contact us for more information.