How does Trauma Impact Your Brain?
Have you ever felt super stressed, scared, or sad after something really tough happened? Maybe you were in a car accident, someone you loved got sick or died, or you were bullied at school. These experiences can cause something called trauma — and trauma can actually change how your brain works. Don’t worry, though — the brain can heal, and that’s where therapy comes in.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is what happens when your brain and body go through something really scary, upsetting, or confusing. Everyone reacts to trauma differently. Some people might feel jumpy or angry all the time. Others might feel numb or sad. Some might have trouble sleeping, concentrating, or trusting people. These are all normal reactions, but they can be really hard to deal with on your own.
What Happens to the Brain?
Your brain is like a superhero control center — it helps you think, feel, and make decisions. But when something traumatic happens, certain parts of the brain can start working differently.
Here are three important parts of the brain that trauma can affect:
Amygdala – This is like your brain’s alarm system. It helps you sense danger. After trauma, the amygdala can stay on “high alert,” making you feel scared or anxious even when you’re safe.
Hippocampus – This part helps with memory. Trauma can cause memories to feel “stuck” or replay like a movie, which is why people sometimes have flashbacks or nightmares.
Prefrontal Cortex – This part helps you make good choices and control your emotions. Trauma can make it harder to focus, stay calm, or think clearly.
Image by Domestic Violence Network https://dvnconnect.org/how-trauma-impacts-the-brain/
In short, trauma can make your brain feel like it’s always in “survival mode,” even if the danger is long gone.
How Can Therapy Help?
The good news is that your brain is super powerful — it can learn to calm down and feel safe again. Therapy is one way to help your brain do just that.
At Attachment Based Therapy, we work with kids, teens, working professionals, couples, and even families who’ve gone through difficult times. Our therapists are trained to help your brain feel less stressed and more balanced. Here’s how:
We help you learn how to recognize your feelings and understand what’s going on inside your brain.
We teach calming skills, like breathing exercises and grounding techniques, to help your body feel safe.
We use creative tools like storytelling and evidence-based interventions like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help you talk about your experiences in a way that feels comfortable and safe.
Most importantly, we listen with empathy and compassion — and remind you that you’re not alone.
You’re Not Broken — You’re Brave
Going through trauma doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It means something happened to you — and healing is possible. Therapy is a safe place to talk, grow, and rebuild your brain’s strength.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma, our therapists are here to help.
Healing starts with one conversation. Schedule a complimentary consultation call by filling out our contact form and found a trauma therapist who is trained in EMDR therapy here in Los Angeles County.