Trauma is not only something that lives in the mind; it is stored in the body. Trauma can come from a single incident, or from living in a long-term state of stress, and can leave deep traces in the brain, the nervous system and overall health; even today, in the third decade of the 21st century, many people are still unaware of the debilitating effects of trauma on an individual and their overall well-being. Therapists, mental/health professionals, and wellness exemplars must understand the science behind trauma to provide meaningful, effective, and caring treatment. On that note, read this blog to understand how trauma healing in Woodland Hills or elsewhere can be the right step.
The Brain on Trauma
Trauma changes the brain’s structure and function. Here’s how it shows up:
1. Amygdala Overdrive
The amygdala is the alarm system of the brain. After trauma, it becomes overstimulated and will sense threats in and around the person, even when it does not exist. This leads to continuous states of fear, anxiety, or panic.
2. Hippocampus Shrinkage
The hippocampus stores and processes memories. Trauma can shrink this area, causing flashbacks, disorganized thoughts, and difficulty distinguishing between past and present danger.
3. Prefrontal Cortex Suppression
This part is responsible for reasoning and decision-making. Trauma suppresses its activity and makes it harder for individuals to regulate emotions or process events logically.
How Trauma Impacts the Body
Trauma isn’t just psychological—it has serious physical effects.
1. Nervous System Dysregulation
The body can get stuck in fight, flight, or freeze. The parasympathetic nervous system has trouble calming the body down, and this leads to patterns of continual tension, fatigue, or numbness.
2. Elevated Cortisol Levels
Trauma creates a longer period of cortisol (stress hormone) production, leading to disruption in digestion, sleep, immunity, and chronic illness.
3. Somatic Symptoms
Many people who live with trauma experience:
- muscle pain or tension
- headaches
- digestive issues
- rapid heart rate or shallow breathing
This is why the use of somatic techniques in trauma therapy is growing in popularity.
How Trauma Counseling in Woodland Hills Is Effective?
If you are considering trauma therapy in Woodland Hills, you are in a city with qualified professionals who have an understanding of the mind-body connection.
1. Holistic Care
Trauma counseling in Woodland Hills offers therapeutic tools that involve more than just talk therapy. Many agencies utilize various combinations of:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Somatic Experiencing
- Mindfulness and breathwork
These treatment approaches can assist with rewiring the brain, regulating the nervous system, and provide clients with ease and safety, allowing them to navigate their way back to stability and safety.
2. Comprehensive Care Plan
Each trauma experience is different. Trauma therapists in Woodland Hills create individualized care plans to address each client’s unique symptoms and triggers, enabling clients to not only survive, but to heal.
In The End
Trauma influences not just the mind. Rather, it reconfigures the brain and weighs down the body. Fortunately, healing is possible with the right method and support.
If you are a mental health professional or support provider in the wellness field, understanding the somatic impact of trauma enables you to provide more compassionate and effective care. If you are seeking trustworthy trauma therapy in Woodland Hills, you are not alone; there is help, hope, and healing available.
