Home Psychology Psychological Trauma: When the Past Haunts the Present

Psychological Trauma: When the Past Haunts the Present

by Anna Dalton

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Healing from trauma is a gradual and non-linear process. It requires safety, support, and often professional guidance. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma-informed psychotherapy, and somatic therapy can help individuals process painful memories and rewire the brain’s response to stress. Somatic approaches, which focus on the body’s role in storing trauma, aim to release tension and reconnect individuals with their physical sensations.

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Crucially, recovery is not about forgetting or erasing traumatic experiences but about integrating them into one’s life story in a way that no longer overwhelms or defines the person. Safe relationships, emotional literacy, and self-compassion are key ingredients in this journey. Survivors may find strength in their vulnerability and connection in shared experiences. While trauma may alter a person’s life path, it does not have to define their identity. With time, the past can lose its grip, and a future rooted in resilience, autonomy, and healing can emerge.

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