Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, often leaving lasting effects on the mind, body, and nervous system,

Trauma is not defined solely by an event itself, but by how an individual experiences and internalizes it. This means that what may be traumatic for one person might not be for another. Trauma can become stored in the body and nervous system, often leading to a state of persistent dysregulation.

Symptoms can be wide-ranging and may include anxiety, depression, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, flashbacks, emotional numbness, or feeling disconnected from one’s body or surroundings, known as dissociation.

In children, trauma can manifest as behavioral outbursts, regression, withdrawal, difficulty trusting others, or challenges in learning and attention. Physically, unresolved trauma can contribute to chronic pain, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, and many other health conditions. Because trauma affects both the mind and body, it requires a holistic, compassionate, and individualized approach to healing; one that honors the unique experience of the person while also addressing the deep, often hidden imprints left behind.