What Is Trauma?​

Trauma is an emotional and physiological response to deeply distressing or disturbing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. It can stem from one-time events—like accidents or assaults—or from prolonged experiences such as childhood neglect, abuse, or living through a crisis.

At Greenstone Counseling, we define trauma as “anything that’s too much, too fast, too soon—or not enough for too long.” Trauma isn't just about what happened to you, but how your body and mind responded to it.

As trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explains:

“Trauma is not what happens to you. Trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”

 

How Trauma Affects the Brain

When a traumatic event occurs, the brain’s survival system takes over—specifically the amygdala (fear center), which floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. This can disrupt the balance between the prefrontal cortex (thinking brain) and the limbic system (emotional brain).

As a result:

• The brain becomes hypervigilant, perceiving danger even when it’s not present

• Traumatic memories may become fragmented or stuck, unable to be processed normally

• The nervous system gets “stuck” in fight, flight, or freeze mode

Over time, this can lead to chronic anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sleep issues, and difficulties with concentration or trust. According to the National Institute of Mental Health:

“Trauma can alter the brain’s structure and chemistry, especially when experienced early in life.”

 

How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma is not just “in your head”—it lives in the body. The autonomic nervous system stores trauma responses in the form of muscle tension, gastrointestinal issues, immune suppression, and fatigue.

As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk writes in The Body Keeps the Score:

“The body keeps the score: If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heartbreaking and gut-wrenching sensations, in autoimmune disorders and skeletal/muscular problems... talking about it isn’t enough.”

Symptoms of trauma in the body may include:

• Chronic pain or inflammation

• Digestive issues

• Panic attacks or shortness of breath

• Numbness or dissociation

• Trouble sleeping or feeling “on edge”

 

How Counseling Helps Heal Trauma

Trauma-informed counseling helps individuals process their experiences in a safe, supportive environment while teaching them how to regulate their nervous systems. The counseling process gives clients tools to rewrite their trauma story, reconnect with their bodies, and rebuild trust—in themselves and others.

At Greenstone Counseling in Idaho, our trauma therapists provide individualized care using evidence-based techniques to:

• Create a safe therapeutic relationship

• Teach grounding and regulation skills

• Help reprocess painful memories without being retraumatized

• Empower clients to regain control over their thoughts and emotions

 

Effective Counseling Techniques for Trauma

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to healing trauma. At Greenstone Counseling, we use evidence-based trauma therapies tailored to each client’s needs. Some of the most effective include:

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Helps the brain reprocess trauma and reduce emotional reactivity using guided bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping).

Somatic Therapy

Focuses on body awareness and physical symptoms to release trauma stored in the nervous system.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps clients recognize and challenge distorted beliefs and thought patterns related to their trauma.

Mindfulness & Grounding Techniques

Train the brain to stay in the present moment, helping reduce anxiety and increase self-awareness.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Supports clients in understanding and healing wounded “parts” of themselves that may have developed in response to trauma.

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Begin Your Healing Journey at Greenstone Counseling

Healing from trauma takes time, safety, and the right support. At Greenstone Counseling, our licensed clinicians are trained in trauma-informed care and work with you at your pace. Whether you're dealing with childhood trauma, recent events, or complex PTSD, you're not alone—and healing is possible.

📍 Serving clients in Eastern Idaho with in-person and online therapy
📞 Call us today: 208-261-2131
🌐 Learn more: www.greenstonecounseling.com