Trauma Counseling

Do You Still Feel the Effects of Past Trauma?

  • Do you replay painful experiences from your past?

  • Are you triggered by certain situations, leading to overwhelming emotions or reactions that seem out of your control?

  • Do you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from those around you?

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Intense emotions like anger or sadness may crop up unexpectedly, you might have trouble concentrating, and even could be experiencing physical symptoms such as fatigue or chronic pain. Trauma often causes feelings of shame or guilt, makes it difficult to trust others, feel safe in relationships, and connect with yourself. You also may have a habit of pushing away thoughts and feelings related to the trauma. All of these symptoms have a compounding effect which makes it more difficult to reach out for help.

Your brain has been doing its best to protect you, and that’s what all of these symptoms—whether it’s anxiety, hypervigilance, or emotional numbness—really mean. When you experience trauma, your brain shifts into survival mode, creating patterns and responses meant to shield you from further harm. While these reactions may have been necessary at the time, they can become overwhelming or disruptive when the threat is no longer present. 

Living with the effects of trauma can be exhausting and isolating. Whether you experienced trauma in childhood or later in life, its impact can last for years and affect your emotional and physical well-being. Certain parts of your life might play through your head on repeat, like you are stuck in a cycle of pain or fear. It might be hard to break free from old patterns or reactions. 

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Trauma is more common than you think.

Many people carry the weight of traumatic experiences, whether those involve physical, emotional, or psychological harm. No matter how long ago it happened, the effects of trauma don’t always fade with time. Trauma can disrupt your sense of safety, make it difficult to form healthy relationships, and lead to anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Many people think that they might not have experienced trauma if it wasn’t a life-shattering event. Trauma can manifest in different ways, and it’s often categorized into two types: Big "T" and Little "T" trauma. Big "T" trauma refers to significant, life-altering events, such as physical or sexual abuse, serious accidents, natural disasters, or combat experiences. These events typically result in intense distress and may lead to conditions like PTSD. 

On the other hand, Little "T" trauma involves less overtly catastrophic events, such as ongoing stress from bullying, the loss of a job, or a difficult breakup. While these experiences might seem “smaller” on the surface, they can still profoundly affect your emotional well-being, especially if left unresolved. Both types of trauma are valid and can lead to lasting emotional scars, and trauma therapy can help individuals process and heal from either kind.

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In fact, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, about 60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. While trauma is a common experience, the way it affects each individual is unique. You may feel intense emotions like anger or sadness, have trouble concentrating, or experience physical symptoms such as fatigue or chronic pain. Trauma can also cause feelings of shame or guilt, making it difficult to reach out for help.

It is important to remember that your trauma does not define you. There is help and hope for you to move past your trauma and heal, so that it doesn’t have such a prevalent impact on your life. With professional trauma counseling, you can begin to understand and process your experiences, allowing you to heal and move forward with greater clarity and peace.

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Trauma Therapy Can Help You Heal And Regain Control Of Your Life

Trauma counseling allows you to explore your past experiences with the guidance of a trained and experienced trauma counselor.

No matter what kind of trauma you faced, our counselors at RelationshipStore will help you feel safe and work with you to make sense of what you’ve been through and develop the tools you need to manage its impact on your life. Trauma therapy helps you understand and rewire the protective mechanisms your brain has put in place, allowing you to respond to life in healthier, more balanced ways.

In your trauma counseling sessions, you will begin to understand how past events have impacted your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Together, we will identify triggers, learn emotional regulation strategies, and explore how trauma might be influencing your current life. 

Techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are often used. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that are linked to their trauma, while Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) uses guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to help process and integrate traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity. Both therapies are highly effective in treating trauma by helping individuals gain control over distressing thoughts and responses. 

Trauma-focused therapy also helps you rebuild a sense of safety and trust, both in yourself and your relationships. Through guided sessions, you can regain control over your emotions, manage anxiety, and reduce the impact of triggers in your daily life. Many individuals who felt stuck in the pain of trauma have found significant relief and personal growth through this process. Trauma therapy will empower you to reclaim your life and find peace.

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But You May Still Have Questions About Trauma Therapy

What if talking about my trauma makes me feel worse?

It’s natural to feel nervous about opening up old wounds. However, trauma therapy is designed to provide a safe environment where you are never forced to confront memories before you’re ready. We will go at your pace, working slowly to process your experiences so that you can heal in a way that feels manageable and effective. While it may be uncomfortable at times, processing trauma is essential for long-term healing, and your counselor will be there with you every step of the way.

I’ve tried to forget about my trauma. Why should I revisit it in therapy?

Avoidance is a common way people cope with trauma, but unprocessed trauma can often manifest in harmful ways—like anxiety, anger, or difficulty in relationships. It can even affect your physical health. By addressing your trauma with a trained professional, you can understand how it affects you and develop healthier coping strategies. In therapy, you don’t have to relive every painful detail, but instead, you’ll learn how to make peace with your past and regain control over your life.

I’m not sure if my experiences qualify as trauma—should I still seek help?

Trauma is subjective, meaning it’s not about how “big” or “small” an event seems but how it has affected you. If you’ve experienced distress that continues to impact your emotional or physical well-being, it’s worth exploring in therapy. Trauma counseling can help with a wide range of experiences, and seeking support is the first step toward healing.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO CARRY THE WEIGHT OF YOUR TRAUMA ALONE.

If you’re ready to start your healing journey, the therapists at RelationshipStore are here to help. Trauma therapy can help you break free from the past and start feeling better.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting peace and healing. We’re available for texts and calls at (630) 974-6777, as well as via email at info@relationshipstore.org 

Our practice is located in Burr Ridge / Willowbrook, IL and offers online therapy sessions throughout Illinois.

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