Healing from Within: Understanding Trauma’s Impact on Your Body

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. While many moments bring joy and happiness, others can leave deep scars that linger long after the storm has passed. Trauma is one such storm, a powerful force that can affect every aspect of our lives, including our physical health. In this blog, we will explore the profound impact of trauma on different parts of the body, the role of therapists and counselors in the healing process, and how you can find hope and support at New Heights Counseling in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

The Body’s Response to Trauma

Trauma can take many forms – from childhood abuse and accidents to combat experiences and natural disasters. Regardless of the source, the body’s response to trauma is remarkably consistent. When we encounter a traumatic event, our body activates its “fight or flight” response, releasing a surge of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. While this response is crucial for our immediate survival, prolonged exposure to trauma can have devastating effects on various body systems.

• The Brain: Trauma can significantly impact the brain, leading to changes in the structure and function of key regions like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. This can result in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal. These changes can also make it challenging to regulate emotions and form healthy relationships.
• The Heart: The chronic stress caused by trauma can increase the risk of heart problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. It can also lead to heart palpitations and chest pain, often experienced as a part of panic attacks.
• The Digestive System: Trauma can disrupt the digestive system, leading to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal issues. Many individuals with trauma report stomachaches and nausea during periods of stress or anxiety.
• The Immune System: Prolonged exposure to trauma can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses and infections. This is why individuals with unresolved trauma often find themselves frequently falling ill.
• Muscles and Joints: Trauma can result in muscle tension and chronic pain, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back areas. This physical manifestation of emotional pain can be debilitating and impact one’s overall quality of life.

The Role of Therapists and Counselors

Understanding the profound impact of trauma on the body is just the first step in the healing journey. The next crucial step is seeking help from professionals who can guide you toward recovery. Therapists and counselors play a pivotal role in helping individuals heal from trauma.

• Creating a Safe Space: One of the most critical aspects of therapy is creating a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals can share their experiences and emotions. Trauma survivors often carry shame and guilt, and a therapist’s office provides a sanctuary for them to explore and process these feelings.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Therapists and counselors at New Heights Counseling are trained in trauma-informed care, which means they understand the unique needs and challenges trauma survivors face. They use evidence-based approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness techniques to help individuals regain control over their lives.
• Empowerment and Healing: Therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about empowering individuals to regain control over their lives and find healing from within. Therapists help clients develop coping skills, build resilience, and transform their traumatic experiences into sources of strength.

The Journey to Healing

Embarking on the journey to healing from trauma is both courageous and transformative. It’s a process that takes time, effort, and support but you can heal from your trauma. Here’s what you can expect along the way:

• Acknowledgment: The first step is acknowledging that you have experienced trauma and that it has significantly impacted your life. This acknowledgment can be a challenging but essential part of the healing process.
• Seeking Help: Reach out to a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma. At New Heights Counseling in Fort Walton Beach, FL, you’ll find compassionate professionals ready to guide you on your healing journey.
• Exploration: In therapy, you’ll explore your trauma and its effects on your life. This may involve revisiting painful memories and emotions, but it’s crucial to understanding your experiences and developing resilience.
• Processing: With the guidance of your therapist, you’ll begin to process your trauma. This can involve using various therapeutic techniques to reframe your experiences and build healthier coping mechanisms.
• Integration: As you progress, you’ll start integrating your healing into your daily life. You’ll discover newfound strength and resilience that will help you navigate future challenges.
• Recovery: Ultimately, therapy aims to help you recover from the impact of trauma. While the scars may remain, they will no longer define your life, and you’ll find hope, happiness, and fulfillment once again.

Finding Hope and Healing

Trauma can leave deep wounds that affect every facet of our lives. It can manifest physically, emotionally, and psychologically, creating a complex web of challenges to overcome. However, with the proper support and guidance, healing is possible. You can find the hope and help you need to embark on your journey to recovery. Our therapists and counselors are here to walk alongside you, providing the tools and support necessary to reclaim your life and move forward with strength and resilience. Remember, healing from trauma is a process, and seeking help is okay. You are not alone, and there is hope. With the support of New Heights Counseling, you can find the healing and transformation you deserve. Your journey to recovery starts here.

Additional Resources:

• Suffering from Emotional and Psychological Trauma: What to Do?
• 12 Tips for coping with the effects of trauma
  
• Welcome Video New Heights Counseling Founder & Clinical Director Colleen Wenner

New Heights Counseling is Here for You

If you’re in Fort Walton Beach, FL, or the surrounding areas, you don’t have to face your trauma alone. New Heights Counseling is easily accessible and ready to assist you on your healing journey. We understand that reaching out for help can be intimidating, but we want you to know that you are not alone. Our compassionate team is here to listen, support, and guide you toward a brighter future. You can contact New Heights Counseling by calling (850) 757-1552 or visiting their website HERE! 

Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evenings/Weekends by Appointment

Other Mental Health Services Offered at New Heights Counseling

New Heights Counselor offers therapy for many issues, not just for trauma. We assist those who struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, addiction, abuse, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs and help you find healing and wholeness.

Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults, and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach, FL location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps or visit our office location page.

About the Author:

Colleen Wenner is the founder and clinical director of New Heights Counseling, where she provides counseling services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master Certified Addiction Professional. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.

Colleen has consistently advocated for mental health wellness and has dedicated her entire life to promoting awareness among the public. She has been featured on various podcasts such as Practice of the Practice (The #1 Podcast for counselors in private practice), Shrink Think Podcast, and The Salty Christan Podcast, to name a few. She has contributed to several Yahoo Best Life, Unfinished Man, AskMen, UpJourney, WebMD, PsychCentral, and Emotional Intelligence Magazine articles. Colleen uses compassionate and authentic communication to help clients understand themselves better and feel more confident about their ability to improve their lives.