Trauma Is Treatable, and You Deserve to Heal

The saying “Time heals all wounds” isn’t always true. Trauma, that heavy weight holding you back from living your life fully, isn’t something you can just “get over.” It leaves a mark—on your mind, your emotions, and your body. But you can heal with the right guidance and environment. 

Kintsugi and How You Heal Stronger

Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending the areas of breakage with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. It takes a precious item that’s been broken, and repairs it in a way that leaves it stronger and more beautiful than before.

Trauma doesn’t define a person - with the right steps, you can put the pieces back together again and become even stronger and more beautiful than before. 

Common Causes of Trauma

Trauma comes in many forms - it’s subjective and flexible. 

  • Life-threatening events like car accidents or natural disasters

  • Childhood abuse or neglect

  • Being the victim of violence

  • Witnessing violence

  • Serious medical emergencies or diagnoses

  • Losing someone you love

  • And many others not mentioned

How Trauma Shows Up in Your Life

Trauma doesn’t look the same for everyone, but it shows up in ways you might not expect:

  • Emotional Symptoms: Feeling numb, constantly sad, or on edge.

  • Physical Symptoms: Trouble sleeping, tension headaches, or stomach problems.

  • Behavioral Changes: Withdrawing from people, avoiding certain places, or losing interest in things you used to enjoy.

If any of this sounds familiar, don’t ignore it. Trauma affects every part of your life—your relationships, your work, your health. It’s time to take action. 

The Hidden Impact of Repressed Trauma on Your Physical Health

Unfortunately, ignoring or repressing trauma doesn’t make it go away—it embeds itself in your body, quietly affecting your physical health over time. Research shows a clear link between unresolved trauma, especially childhood trauma, and chronic illness later in life.

The Science Behind Trauma and Health

Trauma activates your body’s stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While helpful in the short term, prolonged activation of this system wears down your body, contributing to:

  • Heart Disease: Chronic stress increases blood pressure and inflammation, leading to cardiovascular issues.

  • Immune Dysfunction: Trauma can weaken your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections and diseases.

  • Gastrointestinal Problems: Unresolved stress often shows up as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, or chronic stomach pain.

  • Chronic Pain: Conditions like fibromyalgia or tension headaches are more common in those with untreated trauma.

Trauma’s Lifelong Impact from Childhood

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study revealed that adults who experienced four or more traumatic events in childhood are:

  • Twice as likely to develop heart disease

  • Four times more likely to suffer from depression

  • At significantly higher risk for conditions like diabetes, stroke, and autoimmune disorders

This data is a wake-up call: repressed trauma doesn’t stay buried. It’s a serious concern for all aspects of how you enjoy life - mentally and physically.

What Trauma Therapy Looks Like with EXODUS Counseling

Trauma therapy isn’t about reliving your past—it’s about processing events and experiences in a new way that puts them in their place for good. It’s about learning and growing in a way that gives you more control over how you experience your past. 

There are many proven trauma therapy methods

Mental and physical health are inextricably interlinked, and the best results are achieved by connecting them. Below are proven ways we help individuals heal and move on from their past focusing on practical, effective strategies.

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): We help you break free from unhelpful thoughts tied to your trauma.

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): This technique helps you process traumatic memories so they lose their grip on you. Research shows up to 90% of people see results after just three sessions.

  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy: We work through the fear and avoidance that keeps trauma alive.

  • Somatic Experiencing: Trauma lives in your body, too. This method releases the tension and stress you’re carrying.

Every step is personalized to you. There’s no cookie cutter therapy with us.

Are You a Parent? How to Spot Signs of Trauma in Your Child

Trauma affects children and teens differently than adults. If you’re worried about your child, here’s what to watch for:

  • Emotional Shifts: Increased anger, shame, or sadness.

  • Behavior Changes: Avoiding friends, acting out, or losing interest in school or hobbies.

  • Physical Symptoms: Headaches, stomachaches, or constant fatigue.

We work with kids and teens -- and their families -- to help them understand their feelings and develop healthy coping skills. Virtual sessions give them a safe space to open up and process what they’re going through. If you’re concerned about your child, let’s talk. The sooner we address it, the better their chances of healing.

What You Can Expect From Virtual Trauma Therapy

You don’t have to leave your house to get the help you need. With virtual therapy, you’ll meet face-to-face with a licensed therapist who gets it.

How It Works

  • Initial Session: We dive into what’s going on and where you need help.

  • Personalized Plan: We build a roadmap tailored to your specific situation.

  • Ongoing Support: Between sessions, you’ll have tools and strategies to keep moving forward.

Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit therapy into your life, and our self-pay model is transparent—no insurance hassles. You control the course of your therapy.

Common Questions About Trauma Therapy

1. What is trauma therapy?

Trauma therapy helps you process and heal from distressing experiences so you can move forward without feeling stuck.

2. How do I know if I need trauma therapy?

If past events are affecting your relationships, work, or mental health, it’s time to talk to someone.

3. Is online trauma therapy effective?

Yes, research shows virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions.

4. How long does trauma therapy take?

Many people see progress within 12–16 sessions, but every journey is different.

5. Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

Only if and when you’re ready. Your therapist will guide the process at your pace.

6. Can trauma therapy help with PTSD?

Absolutely. Methods like EMDR and TF-CBT are specifically designed for PTSD treatment.

7. What if I feel worse before I feel better?

It’s normal to experience strong emotions during therapy. Your therapist will support you through it.

8. Can I choose my therapist?

We’ll match you with someone who fits your needs, and you can request changes if needed.

9. Is therapy confidential?

Yes, everything you share stays private, within legal guidelines.

10. How do I start?

Click here to schedule your first session today.

It’s Time to Take the First Step

You don’t have to live with the weight of trauma forever. The hardest part is reaching out—but once you do, we’ll handle the rest. Together, we’ll build a plan to help you feel safe, strong, and in control of your life again.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule your virtual counseling session today.

EXODUS Difference
  • Client-centered approach

  • Personalized therapy

  • Licensed professionals

  • Flexible online sessions

Benefits for You
  • Treatment done with you, not to you

  • Adapted sessions for your situation

  • Qualified and effective care

  • Increased accessibility and comfort