What is Trauma?

Trauma is a word we often hear, but it can mean very different things to different people. At its heart, trauma is about how our body and mind respond to something that felt overwhelming, frightening, or too much to process at the time.

It’s not always about one big event. Trauma can come from a single incident — like an accident, loss, or assault — but it can also come from repeated experiences over time, such as emotional neglect, bullying, or growing up in an unpredictable environment. What matters most is not what happened, but how it made you feel, and how it continues to affect you now.

Many people carry the effects of trauma without realising it. You might find yourself feeling anxious, on edge, easily overwhelmed, or disconnected from your emotions. You may have flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, struggle to trust others, or feel like you’re “stuck” in patterns you can’t explain. These are all normal responses to something abnormal — your mind and body trying to keep you safe.

The good news is - healing is possible.

Trauma may shape your story, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Counselling offers a safe, supportive space where we can gently explore what you’ve been through — at your own pace. Through grounding techniques, understanding how the nervous system works, and building emotional safety, we can start to release what’s been held in for too long.

You're responding in the best way you know how, to something that was too much. And you don’t have to carry it alone.