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Writer's pictureKaryl Vassilaros

Understanding Trauma: How Counseling & Support Lead to Recovery

Updated: Jul 30

Trauma deeply impacts our lives, shaping the way we see the world and how we interact with it.


While the reasons behind many traumatic experiences may remain elusive, the journey towards healing and recovery can become clearer when we shift our focus from "why" to "how".


Understanding trauma is not about dwelling on the reasons behind it but

about acknowledging the path we've walked and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.


Woman split by trauma.
The Nature of Trauma

The Nature of Trauma


Trauma manifests in a myriad of ways, ranging from sudden shocking incidents to prolonged exposure to distressing situations.


Its effects linger, casting a long shadow over our emotional well-being and mental health.


Many individuals find themselves grappling with the aftermath of trauma, struggling to navigate their daily lives while carrying the heavy burden of their past experiences. Living a life where they are often surprised by what triggers them, what their limitations are, and how to handle the thoughts and emotions that pile up and push them down.

Walking down a dark path with a flashlight.
Counseling is a beacon of light.

The Role of Counseling


Counseling serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking to unravel the knots of trauma and get on the path towards healing.


The right counseling and therapy should provide an environment where individuals are not treated like victims, but as humans who desire to feel more normal, more safe, and more ok in life.


Types of Therapy for Trauma Recovery


  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) : A widely-used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that stem from trauma.

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) :  A goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on empowering clients to identify and build on their existing strengths and resources to achieve specific, positive outcomes in a relatively short period.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) : DBT equips individuals with skills to manage intense emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and foster mindfulness in the face of trauma.


Embracing the Journey


Accepting the road we have traveled, with all its twists and turns, empowers us to take charge and fully engage in the process of healing. Trauma recovery is not a linear path; it is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. Sometimes it takes years or small changes and measured growth, and sometimes it takes months. However, when you are healing from trauma, you will discover, it is not that you stopped "feeling" hurt by the trauma, but that you reach that point where you can engage in life more fully, more freely, and more deeply. That is when you begin to truly feel healed from the trauma.


In conclusion, understanding trauma is pivotal in the recovery process. By embracing the "how" of our experiences and delving into the therapeutic support available, we pave the way for healing and restoration.




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