What is Trauma?

Trauma

Oct 4

What Does Trauma Look Like and how can Therapy Help?

Have you ever seen someone act really different after something scary or upsetting happened to them? Maybe they were jumpy, quiet, or angry all the time. That could be a sign of trauma.

Trauma is what we call it when someone goes through something really stressful, scary, or hurtful. It could be a car accident, bullying, a natural disaster, losing someone close, or being in a dangerous situation. Trauma affects people in different ways — and it doesn’t matter how old you are. Even kids and teens can go through trauma.

Let’s talk about the common signs of trauma and how therapy can help people heal and live strong, healthy lives.

What Are Some Signs of Trauma?

Not everyone shows trauma the same way, but here are some signs that someone might be dealing with it:

1. Strong emotions that don’t go away.
Someone with trauma might feel sad, angry, scared, or nervous a lot of the time — even when nothing bad is happening at the moment.

2. Trouble sleeping or having nightmares.
They might have bad dreams or find it hard to fall asleep because their mind won’t stop thinking about what happened.

3. Avoiding people, places, or things.
If a person avoids certain situations or places, it might be because they remind them of the scary event.

4. Feeling jumpy or on edge.
Even small sounds or surprises might make someone with trauma feel like they’re in danger again.

5. Trouble focusing.
It can be hard to pay attention in school or get things done when your mind is stuck in the past.

6. Wanting to be alone a lot.
People with trauma might pull away from friends or family because they feel embarrassed, afraid, or just don’t have the energy to talk.

7. Feeling like something is wrong with them.
They might believe the trauma was their fault, or that they’re not good enough anymore. This can hurt their self-esteem.

How Can Therapy Help?

The good news is: help is available. People don’t have to live with the pain of trauma forever.

Therapy is when someone talks to a trained professional who knows how to help them heal. The therapist listens, teaches coping skills, helps people feel stronger and more in control, and even uses evidence-based practices like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Here’s how therapy can make a difference:

It helps people feel safe again.
They learn how to calm their body and mind when they feel scared or stressed.
They understand their feelings.
A therapist helps them talk about what happened and how it made them feel — and reminds them it wasn’t their fault.
They build confidence.
Over time, therapy helps people feel braver, more in control, and proud of how far they’ve come.
They connect with others again.
Healing makes it easier to trust, make friends, and enjoy life again.

Find a Trauma Therapist in Los Angeles County

If you or someone you know is showing signs of trauma, remember: it’s not a weakness. It’s a normal response to something really hard. The most important thing is to ask for help. Therapy at Attachment Based Therapy Tx can be a safe and powerful way to get support, feel better, and start living a stronger, more empowered life. You're not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck in the past. Schedule a complimentary consultation call by filling out our contact form.