Have you ever felt stuck in a loop—reacting to situations with more intensity than they deserve? plagued by anxiety? low mood? or self-defeating patterns you just can’t shake? You’re not alone.
Many of us carry invisible baggage from past traumas, big or small, that continue to
shape our everyday experience. But here’s the good news: by processing these old
wounds, you can find lasting relief from symptoms and set the stage for healthier, more
joyful patterns in your life.
Trauma is sneaky. Sometimes it announces itself loudly—think car accidents or
major losses. Other times, it tiptoes in through subtle but persistent experiences
like ongoing criticism, bullying, or neglect. Regardless of the source, unprocessed
trauma often lingers in our nervous systems, affecting how we think, feel, and interact
with the world. It can contribute to symptoms like chronic anxiety, depression,
relationship struggles, or even physical sensations like muscle tension and headaches.
Trauma is sneaky. Sometimes it announces itself loudly-think car accidents or major losses. Other times, it tiptoes in through subtle but persistent experiences like ongoing criticism, bullying or neglect.
So, why does working through old trauma help? Think of your brain like a library.
When trauma happens, the memory and feelings around it often get stored chaotically.
Instead of being shelved neatly, these experiences get scattered around, popping up
unexpectedly as triggers or intense emotional responses. Processing trauma is like
organizing the mess—helping your mind file things where they belong, making them
easier to manage and less likely to hijack your present.
One evidence-based approach that many psychologists use is Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing, or EMDR. In EMDR therapy, clients recall
traumatic events while engaging in bilateral stimulation, often by following hand
movements or tapping. This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories,
reducing their emotional charge and the power they have over your reactions. Many
people report that after processing with EMDR, situations that once caused intense fear
or sadness now feel neutral, opening up space for new, healthier ways of coping and
relating.
But EMDR is just one option; what’s essential is finding a method and a therapist
you trust. Whether you choose EMDR, talk therapy, or another trauma-informed
approach, the act of exploring and processing old wounds can pave the way for
powerful change. You may find yourself feeling lighter, more empowered, and able to
make choices rather than being driven by old patterns.
We can show up for one another, offer help when it’s needed, and cheer each other on every step of the way.
Stay tuned for our next workshop — and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support in finding a little more balance, with you at the center of it all.
Sheri Boyd
Provisional Registered Psychologist
