I have been providing trauma treatment for over 25 years.
In my experience trauma, stress, and modern societal pressures are key contributors to both mental disorders and physical illnesses. Much of what is considered “normal” in modern culture—especially in terms of health and social interactions—is actually deeply harmful.
A key stone of trauma therapy is the importance of reclaiming authenticity and emotional honesty as vital for healing. People who suppress emotions—particularly anger—are at greater risk for developing chronic illnesses such as autoimmune disorders. Trauma therapy fosters emotional expression rather than repression, as unprocessed emotions can lead to many mental health ailments as well as inflammation and physical disease
Trauma therapy encourages the practice of deep self-compassion, which involves recognising one’s vulnerabilities and traumas without judgment. It is critical to acknowledge pain, imperfections, and faults to begin the healing process. Compassionate inquiry, as a therapy technique, involves exploring the emotional roots of addiction or illness by asking questions like, “What role did this behavior or substance play in your life?” This method helps clients to confront and understand their deeper needs
Healing from trauma is greatly assisted by the therapeutic power of connection through group therapy. It is my view that healing is not solely an individual process, but a social one, and that individuals benefit greatly from witnessing the shared humanity in others’ struggles. Group therapy fosters emotional honesty and a sense of communal support
There is an ever increasing awareness that the mind-body are intrinsically connected connection. As such healing requires attention to both psychological and physical symptoms. Trauma therapy involves practices such as mindfulness, body awareness, and somatic therapy to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and address how trauma is stored physically. These practices encourage clients to listen to their bodies and understand how trauma manifests in physical ailments
Narrative therapy techniques are also helpful in healing from trauma. In this practice participants reframe their personal stories. By exploring the narratives that shape their identities—particularly those shaped by trauma—participants can shift their perceptions and foster healing. This technique involves seeing trauma not as a life-defining event, but as something that can be integrated and overcome.
