Healing from Trauma: Releasing the Past, Reclaiming Your Life
Have You Been Carrying the Weight of Unresolved Trauma Without Realizing It?
You Tell Yourself, “It Wasn’t That Bad.”
You push through, thinking, “Other people had it worse.”
You’ve learned to numb, dismiss, or distract yourself—because that’s how you’ve survived. But no matter how much you try to move forward, the past keeps showing up—in your relationships, your self-doubt, the exhaustion that never fully goes away.
Maybe you grew up with emotionally unavailable parents who dismissed your feelings. Maybe you learned that love had to be earned through achievement or that showing emotion made you “too much.” Or maybe you can’t quite pinpoint why you feel this way—just that something inside feels unsettled, like you’re waiting for the other shoe to drop.
If you struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm, unresolved trauma may be at the root of it. But healing is possible.
What is Trauma? (And Why You Might Not Recognize It in Yourself)
Many people think trauma means a single catastrophic event. While those experiences (known as Big “T” Trauma) can absolutely leave lasting scars, trauma can also come from subtle but deeply impactful experiences—ones you may not even realize shaped you.
✔ Big “T” Trauma – Life-threatening or intensely distressing events like abuse, accidents, assault, or violence.
✔ Little “t” Trauma – Ongoing emotional neglect, chronic criticism, growing up in an unpredictable or unsafe environment.
✔ Trauma of Absence – Not receiving the love, support, or validation you needed as a child. You may not even be aware that something was missing—until you see how others live and realize what you never had.
For example, you might have:
- Grown up in a home where emotions weren’t talked about—so now, you struggle to name or express your feelings.
- Had caregivers who were physically present but emotionally distant—so now, deep down, you fear no one will ever truly understand you.
- Been taught to “be strong” or “not make a fuss”—so now, you minimize your own pain and have trouble asking for help.
The absence of something important can be just as painful as the presence of something harmful.
THE LINK BETWEEN TRAUMA & YOUR MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT THE ACES STUDY SHOWS
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study found a direct link between early trauma and long-term mental & physical health issues.
The more early stress you experience, the more likely you are to struggle with:
✔ Anxiety, depression, and chronic self-doubt
✔ Difficulty trusting or feeling safe in relationships
✔ Panic attacks, emotional dysregulation, or difficulty setting boundaries
✔ Health issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and autoimmune disorders
Even if you logically know your past is behind you, your nervous system may still be operating in survival mode.This is why unprocessed trauma continues to impact your emotions, behaviors, and sense of self.
What Healing Looks Like
Right now, you might feel disconnected from yourself—like you’re going through the motions but not truly living. You may second-guess every decision, overanalyze interactions, or feel like you have to be perfect just to be enough. The weight of old wounds can make joy, ease, and confidence feel out of reach.
But imagine this instead…
✨ Waking up and feeling lighter—like you can finally breathe again.
✨ Trusting yourself and your decisions without constant second-guessing.
✨ Setting boundaries without guilt, knowing your needs matter too.
✨ Feeling deeply connected in relationships where you are seen and valued.
✨ Responding to stress with confidence instead of shutting down or overthinking.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It means breaking free from the hold it has on you.
You deserve this kind of peace. Let’s take the first step together.
Case Study: How Therapy Helped maya Heal Past Wounds & Build Self-Trust (Fictitious Example)
Before Therapy: Carrying the Weight of Unresolved Trauma
Maya, a 38-year-old attorney, was highly accomplished but deeply insecure. She had grown up with emotionally distant caregivers and had learned to seek validation through success. Even though she had a great career, she felt empty and disconnected.
✔ Struggled with self-worth – always feeling “not enough” despite external success.
✔ Hyper-independence – afraid to rely on others or express needs.
✔ Unprocessed childhood trauma – deep-rooted fears of rejection and abandonment.
The Therapy Process: Exploring Patterns & Building Self-Awareness
In our early sessions, Maya shared that she had spent her life trying to prove herself, fearing that if she slowed down, she would fall apart. Through psychoanalytic therapy, we uncovered how her early emotional neglect had shaped her current struggles.
Using EMDR, we worked to:
- Process and reframe painful childhood experiences that had fueled her fear of rejection.
- Reduce the emotional charge of past wounds, allowing her to feel safer in relationships.
- Help her develop a new internal dialogue—one based on self-worth, not external validation.
As therapy progressed, Maya started setting boundaries for the first time in her life—without guilt.
After Therapy: Self-Compassion & Emotional Healing
- Increased self-worth – no longer felt defined by external validation.
- Healthier relationships – learned to set boundaries and trust others.
- Emotional healing – worked through past trauma without feeling overwhelmed.
Are you ready to break free from old patterns?
How Therapy can help you heal
I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to look at past wounds—especially when you’ve spent years trying to keep them buried. That’s why I approach trauma therapy with deep care, patience, and a focus on what feels safe for you.
✔ We move at your pace—you will never be pushed into painful memories before you’re ready.
✔ You will not be left feeling raw or emotionally drained—healing isn’t about reopening wounds, it’s about tending to them gently.
✔ You’ll learn practical tools to help you feel grounded, resilient, and in control of your emotions.
Therapy isn’t just about processing the past—it’s about creating a future where you feel whole and free.
Let’s start this journey together.
Online Trauma Therapy in New York, New Jersey,
and Chicago, Illinois
I provide online trauma therapy for adults located in New York, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois.
I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate the complexities of healing from past experiences. My background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, EMDR, and The Flash Technique allows me to tailor an approach that meets your needs—whether you’re seeking deep trauma processing or simply want to better understand yourself and improve your relationships.
Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about finding new ways to move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
If you’re ready to start that journey, I’d love to support you.