Understanding Psychological Trauma

Psychological trauma happens when someone goes through an event that feels very frightening, harmful, or overwhelming. This can be things like accidents, natural disasters, abuse, or losing someone they love. Trauma affects both the mind and the body.

When we face trauma, our brain activates a “fight, flight, or freeze” response to protect us. This is a natural reaction that helps us survive danger. But sometimes, even after the danger is gone, the body and mind stay in this state of alert. This can cause feelings like fear, sadness, anger, or confusion that don’t seem to go away.

"Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you." — Dr. Gabor Maté

Trauma can change the way our brain works. Scientists have found that areas like the amygdala (which senses danger) become very active, while parts of the brain that help us think clearly, like the prefrontal cortex, might become less active (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). This is why people with trauma can feel overwhelmed or have trouble controlling emotions.

Counselors use trauma therapy to help people heal. This kind of therapy understands how trauma affects feelings and behavior and creates a safe space for healing. One science-backed therapy is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR helps the brain process traumatic memories, reducing the power they have over a person’s emotions (Shapiro, 2018).

Trauma is not just about one event—it can also happen when someone faces ongoing stress or discrimination, like many LGBTQIA people in India do. It’s important that counselors are sensitive to these experiences to offer the best care.

Healing from trauma is a journey that takes time and support. Therapy helps people regain control, feel safe, and build hope for the future. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your body.

If you are thinking of starting therapy get in touch with us and explore how we can work together.

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References

1. National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

2. Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. Guilford Press.

3. American Psychological Association. (2023). Trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma

4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health-Services/SMA14-4816

5. Meyer, I. H., et al. (2008). Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: conceptual issues and research evidence. Psychological Bulletin, 129(5), 674–697. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674