Understanding Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
- Marley Molkentin
- Jan 14
- 3 min read
The word trauma is everywhere right now, on social media, in therapy conversations, and in everyday language. People often use it to describe stressful or upsetting experiences. But in mental health care, trauma has a more specific meaning.
Trauma doesn’t just live in memories. It can shape how we think, feel, and respond to the world long after an event has passed. That’s why many mental health providers today practice trauma-informed care, an approach that recognizes how deeply trauma can affect both the mind and the body.
What Is Trauma?
In mental health terms, trauma refers to an experience (or series of experiences) that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and leaves a lasting impact on their emotional, psychological, or physical well-being.
Trauma looks different for everyone. What feels manageable for one person may be deeply distressing for another. Trauma is not defined by the event itself, but by how the nervous system experiences and processes it.
Common examples of traumatic experiences include:
Childhood neglect or abuse
Sexual assault or intimate partner violence
Medical trauma or serious illness
Sudden loss of a loved one
Chronic stress or emotional invalidation
Discrimination, marginalization, or identity-based harm
Accidents, natural disasters, or exposure to violence
Trauma can be acute (from a single event), chronic (ongoing exposure), or complex (repeated experiences, often beginning in childhood).
How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Trauma is not “all in your head.” Research shows it can change how the brain and nervous system function, especially when trauma occurs repeatedly or early in life. When someone experiences trauma, the brain’s survival system may remain on high alert.
This can lead to:
Heightened anxiety or panic
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Emotional numbness or detachment
Irritability or sudden mood changes
Feeling unsafe even when no danger is present
These responses are the body’s attempt to protect itself after experiencing threat or harm.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is an approach to mental health treatment that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and prioritizes emotional and physical safety. Rather than asking “What’s wrong with you?” trauma-informed care asks,“What happened to you, and how can we support healing?”
This approach recognizes that many people seeking mental health care have experienced trauma, even if they don’t identify it as such.
Key principles of trauma-informed care include:
Safety: Creating a space where patients feel physically and emotionally secure
Trust and transparency: Clear communication and collaborative decision-making
Choice and empowerment: Respecting autonomy and personal boundaries
Collaboration: Working with patients, not directing them
Cultural sensitivity: Acknowledging identity, lived experience, and systemic factors
Trauma-Informed Approaches in Therapy
Trauma-informed care does not rely on one single treatment method. Instead, it shapes how care is delivered.
Depending on individual needs, trauma-informed therapy may include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and reframe trauma-related thought patterns
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help process traumatic memories
Somatic therapies that focus on the mind–body connection
Medication management to support symptoms like anxiety, depression, or sleep disruption
Mindfulness-based approaches to increase nervous system regulation
Importantly, trauma-informed providers move at a pace that feels safe for the patient and avoid re-traumatization.
Integrating Trauma Awareness Into Daily Life
Healing from trauma isn’t limited to therapy sessions. Small, consistent practices can help support regulation and resilience in your everyday life.
Some trauma-informed self-care strategies include:
Practicing grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or sensory awareness
Creating routines that promote predictability and safety
Setting boundaries around relationships, work, and rest
Noticing and honoring your body’s signals
Seeking support: trauma heals best in connection
If certain situations, memories, or sensations feel overwhelming, it may be a sign that trauma is impacting your nervous system, and that additional support could help.
Moving Forward With Support
Trauma-informed care recognizes that healing is not about “fixing” yourself. It’s about understanding your experiences and building tools to feel safer, more present, and more in control of your life.
If you’re struggling with symptoms related to trauma, a mental health provider trained in trauma-informed care can help you explore options for treatment at a pace that feels right for you.
You deserve care that sees the whole picture: mind, body, and lived experience. Call Professional Psychiatric Services today to start your mental health journey today.