Can You Really Heal from Trauma? Understanding the Body, the Brain, and Post-Traumatic Growth

If you've ever wondered whether people truly heal from trauma, you're not alone. Many clients come into therapy carrying years of pain, feeling like they've tried everything and still can't escape from their past. The truth? Trauma has a way of convincing us that peace is for other people, but I want you to know something – healing is absolutely possible! It is possible to reclaim your sense of safety and learn to live fully again. That's what healing is all about, and I've seen it time and time again.

How Trauma Gets Stored in the Body

You see, trauma isn't just a memory – it's an experience that your whole body holds onto. When something painful or distressing happens (i.e., abuse, loss, betrayal, violence), your nervous system kicks into survival mode to protect you (which is exactly what it was designed to do). But, at times, the nervous system gets "stuck" in survival mode, causing the body to remember what the mind tries to forget. You might feel on edge or disconnected long after the event that you needed protection from has ended. Your relationships begin to suffer, and it becomes increasingly difficult to participate in day-to-day life.

What Healing Looks Like

The unfortunate truth is that healing is not a straight line or a magic moment when everything suddenly feels okay again. It is a gradual process of integration — where you begin to understand your body’s response to the traumatic event and develop skills to reverse or lessen the intensity. This is accomplished using trauma-informed therapies like EMDR or cognitive processing therapy to help you feel safer, more grounded, and able to participate in life. 

Post-Traumatic Growth

Here's the best part: as you move through the healing process, many people don't just recover, they grow. This is known as post-traumatic growth, where individuals discover deeper empathy, stronger relationships, and a greater appreciation for life. And, just to clarify, growth doesn't mean that the trauma was "good" or that you are minimizing the pain it caused. Instead, it reflects your ability to courageously acknowledge what happened to you and allow your story to shape you in new, life-giving ways. 

So, if you're tired of surviving and ready to heal your nervous system and your relationships, you don't have to do it alone! Contact our office today and get connected with one of our trauma-informed, licensed therapists.

Written by Sam Sanchez, LPC, NCC
Thrive Marriage & Family Counseling
Grand Junction, Co 81501