How Trauma Affects the Brain (and How Therapy Helps)

Trauma isn’t just something that happened in the past—it can live in your body and brain long after the event is over. You may find yourself overreacting to stress, emotionally shutting down, or feeling on edge for no obvious reason. That’s not personal failure—it’s your nervous system doing its best to protect you.

Trauma changes how the brain processes danger and safety. The amygdala (the brain’s alarm system) becomes hyperactive. The prefrontal cortex (responsible for logic and decision-making) can go offline. This makes it hard to think clearly or feel safe, even in non-threatening situations.

In therapy, we use trauma-informed approaches to help regulate your nervous system. This may include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic experiencing, or mindfulness-based strategies. The goal isn’t to erase the memory—it’s to reduce its emotional charge.

You’ll also learn to identify triggers, ground in the present moment, and reconnect with your body safely. Recovery is possible. Your brain and body are wired for healing—you just need the right support.