The Link Between Trauma and Anxiety or Depression

Trauma leaves an imprint that can touch every part of your life — emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. Whether caused by a single event or ongoing experiences, trauma can often lead to anxiety, depression, or both, leaving you feeling stuck, on edge, or disconnected from yourself and others.

At Greenstone Counseling in Pocatello, Idaho, our trauma-informed therapists understand how deeply these experiences can affect your well-being. Through compassionate, evidence-based therapy such as EMDR, CBT, and IFS, our clinicians help clients process the past, find balance, and rediscover hope for the future.

🌿 How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body

Trauma is more than a memory — it’s an experience stored in both the mind and body. Even long after the event, the nervous system may remain on alert, interpreting everyday stressors as potential threats. This can lead to symptoms like hypervigilance, nightmares, emotional numbness, or physical tension.

As one saying goes, “Your body remembers what your mind wants to forget.”

When trauma isn’t fully processed, it can create patterns of anxiety or depression. You might feel overwhelmed, restless, or trapped in cycles of sadness and self-doubt. Understanding this connection is the first step toward healing — and with the right therapeutic support, those patterns can begin to shift.

💭 Understanding the Link Between Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

It’s common for trauma survivors to experience both anxiety and depression at the same time. The mind constantly revisits the past (causing anxiety) while struggling to find energy or motivation in the present (causing depression).

You might notice:

• Racing thoughts or panic

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

• Guilt, shame, or hopelessness

• Emotional numbness or disconnection

• Feeling “stuck” in the past

At Greenstone Counseling, we believe that healing requires addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms. By using integrated trauma therapy, we help clients reconnect with safety, strength, and self-compassion — so life no longer feels ruled by what happened before.

💚 How Trauma Therapy Helps

Our therapists in Pocatello, Idaho draw from multiple trauma-informed approaches to help clients regain a sense of control, calm, and confidence.

EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotions. It allows the brain to heal naturally, creating new, healthier associations with the past.

IFS (Internal Family Systems) Therapy

IFS encourages curiosity and compassion toward the different “parts” of yourself — including the ones that carry fear, shame, or pain. This gentle method helps you build internal harmony and self-acceptance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to anxiety or depression. It empowers clients to replace self-criticism and worry with balanced, realistic perspectives.

Talk Therapy & Person-Centered Care

Sometimes the most healing experience is being heard. Our counselors create a safe, judgment-free environment where you can share your story, feel understood, and begin to find relief.

“At Greenstone Counseling, we believe healing happens when you feel seen, supported, and empowered.”

👥 Meet Our Pocatello Therapists

Kimberly Lieshman, LPC – Trauma Specialist and Compassionate Guide

With over eight years of experience supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and faith transitions, Kimberly provides deep empathy and clinical expertise. Her person-centered, trauma-informed approach fosters trust and collaboration, helping clients rebuild safety and confidence.Kimberly offers in-person counseling in Pocatello and telehealth therapy throughout Idaho, making compassionate care accessible wherever you are.

Laura Wolter, LCPC – EMDR and Child-Focused Trauma Therapy

Laura specializes in working with children, teens, and adults impacted by trauma, anxiety, and faith-related struggles. She uses EMDR and integrative, evidence-based therapy to help clients process painful experiences and strengthen emotional resilience.Whether guiding parents through challenges or supporting individuals through religious trauma and anxiety, Laura creates a calm, supportive environment for healing. She provides therapy in Pocatello and virtual counseling statewide.

Valinda Mikesell, LPC – Supporting Recovery and Resilience

Valinda brings warmth, authenticity, and years of experience to her work with clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction recovery. Using CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, she helps clients manage difficult emotions, challenge self-critical thoughts, and rebuild self-worth.Valinda sees clients in person in Pocatello and Rexburg and also offers telehealth counseling across Idaho, ensuring care is both accessible and personal.

🌱 What Healing Looks Like

Healing from trauma isn’t about forgetting — it’s about reclaiming your peace and power. Therapy helps you move from survival mode to a place of confidence, balance, and connection. Over time, you may notice better sleep, more emotional stability, and a growing sense of hope.

At Greenstone Counseling in Pocatello, we walk with you through this journey at your pace. You don’t have to face trauma alone — and you don’t have to do it all at once. Each step forward, no matter how small, is an act of courage.

💫 Start Your Healing Journey in Pocatello

Whether you’re coping with trauma, anxiety, or depression, our caring team is here to help. At Greenstone Counseling, our Pocatello therapists provide trauma-informed care that meets you where you are — in person or through secure telehealth sessions across Idaho.

Healing is possible, and we’re honored to walk that journey with you.

👉 Schedule your therapy session in Pocatello today.