Understanding Trauma
“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.”
The human mind and body are remarkably designed for survival. Throughout life, people encounter challenges, losses, dangers, and experiences that require them to adapt. Many of these experiences become integrated into the ongoing story of a person's life. Some experiences, however, are so overwhelming, frightening, painful, or unexpected that they can leave a deeper imprint.
Trauma is often described as the lasting impact of experiences that overwhelm a person's ability to cope in the moment. While traumatic experiences can take many forms, trauma is not defined solely by the event itself. It is also shaped by how the mind, body, and nervous system experience and respond to that event. For this reason, two people may encounter similar circumstances while carrying very different experiences afterward.
One of the most important insights from modern trauma research is that many trauma responses begin as efforts to protect and preserve well-being. During overwhelming situations, the mind and body draw upon powerful survival responses. These responses can help people endure difficult circumstances and continue moving forward during times of significant distress.
Long after the original experience has passed, some of these protective responses may continue to influence daily life. A person may become more alert to potential threats, more sensitive to certain situations, or more aware of changes in their environment. Memories, emotions, physical sensations, or reactions may arise unexpectedly. As a result, these experiences can feel confusing, frustrating, or exhausting, especially when their purpose is not fully understood.
Viewing trauma through the lens of survival often creates a different perspective. Rather than asking why a person continues to struggle, it may be helpful to recognize the many ways the mind and body worked to protect that person during difficult circumstances. In this view, responses that seem puzzling today may have developed for important reasons.
Trauma can affect many aspects of a person's experience, including thoughts, emotions, relationships, physical well-being, and a sense of safety in the world. Some people find themselves feeling disconnected from others. Some become highly vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Others notice changes in trust, confidence, concentration, sleep, or emotional regulation. Every person's experience is unique.
Researchers such as Judith Herman, Bessel van der Kolk, Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, Christine Courtois, Patricia Resick, and others have contributed greatly to our understanding of trauma. Their work has helped illuminate the ways trauma can affect the mind, body, relationships, and nervous system, while also highlighting the human capacity for resilience, healing, and growth.
As understanding grows, many people begin to see themselves as more than the difficult experiences they have endured. Trauma may be one part of a person's story, yet it does not define the whole story. Alongside painful experiences, there are often strengths, values, relationships, hopes, abilities, and qualities that continue to deserve attention.
“Trauma is perhaps the most avoided, ignored, belittled, denied, misunderstood, and untreated cause of human suffering.”
– Peter Levine
Many people discover that healing begins with understanding. As greater awareness develops, experiences that once seemed confusing may begin to make more sense. From there, compassion often grows. Instead of seeing trauma responses as signs of weakness or failure, people may begin to recognize them as evidence of the mind and body's efforts to navigate circumstances that felt overwhelming.
My hope is that this understanding can offer a foundation for healing, self-compassion, and growth. Although the effects of trauma can feel isolating, many people find that support, understanding, meaningful relationships, and time can help foster greater resilience and a renewed sense of connection with themselves and others.
Further Reading and Research
The ideas presented on this page were informed by the work of researchers, clinicians, and theorists who have contributed to our understanding of trauma, resilience, recovery, and post-traumatic growth.
Foundational Contributors
Judith Herman (1942– )
Psychiatrist and author of Trauma and Recovery. Herman's work helped establish a framework for understanding trauma, safety, recovery, and reconnection.
Bessel van der Kolk (1943– )
Psychiatrist and trauma researcher known for his work on how trauma affects both the mind and body.
Peter Levine (1942– )
Developer of Somatic Experiencing and a pioneer in understanding the body's role in trauma and recovery.
Stephen Porges (1945– )
Creator of Polyvagal Theory, which explores how the nervous system responds to experiences of safety, danger, and connection.
Christine A. Courtois (1949– )
Psychologist and author whose work has advanced understanding of complex trauma, developmental trauma, and trauma-informed care.
Patricia A. Resick (1942– )
Developer of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based approach for addressing trauma-related beliefs and experiences.
Martin E. Seligman (1942– )
Founder of Positive Psychology. His work on resilience, strengths, optimism, and post-traumatic growth has contributed to understanding how people can move forward after adversity.
Monika Müller
Researcher and clinician whose work has explored trauma, attachment, regulation, and the importance of supportive relationships in healing.
Selected References
Courtois, C. A., & Ford, J. D. (Eds.). (2013). Treatment of Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach. Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, 54(3), 200.
Herman, J. L. (2015). Trauma and Recovery. Basic Books.
Levine, P. (2010) In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma. North Atlantic Books, Berkeley.
Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W. W. Norton & Company.
Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2017). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. The Guilford Press.
Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A visionary new understanding of happiness and well-being. Free Press.
van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score. Viking.
Contemporary research in trauma psychology, attachment, resilience, neurobiology, and post-traumatic growth.