Comfort and Strength
Healing from Past Trauma: Small Steps to Start the Process
If you’ve been through something painful—abuse, neglect, a bad relationship, loss, or any kind of trauma—you might feel stuck. Maybe the memories keep coming back, no matter how much you try to move on.
Maybe certain people, places, or situations trigger emotions that feel overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve been numb for so long that you don’t even know how to start feeling again.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Trauma affects so many people, and healing doesn’t happen overnight. But no matter what you’ve been through, healing is possible. You don’t have to stay trapped in the past forever.
Why Trauma Feels So Heavy
When we go through something traumatic, our brains and bodies react in ways that can last long after the event is over. You might:
- Feel anxious or on edge all the time, even when nothing is wrong.
- Struggle with trust in relationships because of past betrayals.
- Have flashbacks or nightmares that bring up painful memories.
- Feel emotionally numb—like you’re disconnected from yourself or others.
- Blame yourself for what happened, even if it wasn’t your fault.
These feelings are real, and they are valid. But they don’t have to define you forever. Healing takes time, but small steps can make a big difference.
Small Steps Toward Healing
The key to real growth is to start small and focus on what matters to you. Here’s how you can set realistic mental health goals this year:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
You don’t have to “get over it” or pretend it didn’t happen. Your feelings—whether they are sadness, anger, fear, or confusion—are real. Give yourself permission to feel without judgment.
2.Find Safe Ways to Express Yourself
Keeping everything bottled up can make the pain feel worse. Try writing in a journal, talking to a trusted friend, or even using art or music to express what’s inside.
3. Practice Grounding Techniques
When trauma thoughts hit, grounding techniques can help bring you back to the present. Try:
- Naming five things you can see, hear, and touch around you.
- Holding something cold, like an ice cube, to focus on sensation.
- Taking slow, deep breaths and reminding yourself: I am safe now.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Healing isn’t a straight line. Some days will feel better, and some will feel worse. That doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human. Be patient with yourself, just like you would with a friend who was hurting.
5. Set Healthy Boundaries
If certain people, places, or situations trigger bad memories or stress, it’s okay to take a step back. Protecting your mental and emotional space is part of healing.
Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to heal alone. Trauma can feel isolating, but talking to a therapist can help you process emotions in a safe, supportive space. Therapy gives you the tools to understand your trauma, workthrough triggers, and move forward in a healthy way. You Deserve to Heal. If past trauma is keeping you from living the life you want, you don’t have to carry it alone.
At Let’sTalk! Counseling, we specialize in trauma recovery, offering safe and compassionate support through EMDR, ETT, and talk therapy. Healing is possible. You are not broken. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Reach Out for Support, Guidance, and Healing
Don’t hesitate to connect with Let’s Talk Counseling. Whether you’re ready to schedule a session, have questions about our services, or simply want to explore how we can assist you on your journey to well-being, we’re here for you. Our dedicated team is eager to listen, support, and provide the guidance you need. Contact us today to take the first step towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.