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Valley of Growth Psychotherapy
1900 City Park Drive, Suite 300, Ottawa, K1J1G7
What is Trauma?
Sometimes, the hardest part of living with trauma is not the memory itself, but how it still lives in your body and mind today.
You may find yourself feeling anxious, disconnected, or on edge—without always knowing why. Trauma isn’t just about the painful events you’ve been through; it’s also about the impact those experiences had on your sense of safety, trust, and connection.
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You are not broken. Your reactions are your system’s way of trying to protect you. With understanding, compassion, and the right support, it’s possible to move out of survival mode and create a life that feels more steady, whole, and yours again.
Untold Stories
Understanding Trauma
Trauma can result from a single overwhelming event, repeated experiences over time, or ongoing neglect. When something feels too big, too fast, or too much for our system to process, it can leave a lasting imprint.
Types of trauma include:
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Acute – A single event, such as an accident or sudden loss.
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Chronic – Repeated and prolonged experiences, such as ongoing abuse or neglect.
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Complex – Early and repeated experiences, often in childhood, that disrupt the sense of safety, trust, and self-worth
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Common Effects of Trauma
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Trauma can affect every part of life—thoughts, emotions, relationships, and even physical health. You might notice:
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Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
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Emotional numbness or shutdown
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Shame, self-blame, or low self-worth
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Flashbacks or intrusive memories
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Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
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Patterns of self-protection that are hard to change
These reactions are not signs of weakness—they are your nervous system’s way of trying to keep you safe.​
Why Trauma Can Feel So Hard to “Get Over”
When overwhelming experiences aren’t fully processed, they can get “stuck” in the nervous system. This means your body and mind may still react as if the danger is happening now, even when you’re safe. Therapy can help gently process these experiences, allowing your system to shift out of survival mode and into a place of greater safety and stability.
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The Hope in Healing
While the impact of trauma is real, so is your capacity to heal. With the right support, your nervous system can learn to feel safe again, your emotions can become more manageable, and you can reconnect with parts of yourself that may have felt lost or silenced. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means reclaiming your life.
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Taking the Next Step
If any of this feels familiar, you don’t have to work through it alone. I’m here to provide a safe, compassionate space where every part of you is welcome. You’re invited to book a free 20-minute virtual consultation so we can talk about your goals, answer your questions, and explore how therapy might support you.