TRAUMA THERAPY

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or overwhelming experience that can leave a lasting impact on your sense of safety, control, and well-being. It may stem from a single event—like an accident, loss, or assault—or from ongoing experiences such as abuse, neglect, or chronic stress. Trauma isn't defined by the event itself, but by how it affects you.

You might notice lingering fear, anxiety, numbness, flashbacks, difficulty trusting others, or a sense of being disconnected from yourself or the world around you. These responses are not signs of weakness—they’re your nervous system’s way of trying to protect you.

Counselling offers a safe, supportive space to gently process what you've been through, understand your body and mind’s responses, and begin the journey toward healing and reclaiming your life.

WHAT IS TRAUMA?

Trauma can affect people in different ways—emotionally, mentally, physically, and relationally. You may notice symptoms right away, or they might surface long after the event. Common signs of trauma include:

• Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares

• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected from yourself or others

• Hypervigilance—feeling constantly on edge or easily startled

• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma (people, places, conversations)

• Irritability, anger outbursts, or difficulty regulating emotions

• Feelings of shame, guilt, or helplessness

• Trouble sleeping or sudden changes in appetite

• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining relationships

• Negative thoughts about yourself or the world

• Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or body tension without a clear cause

SIGNS OF TRAUMA

TOOLS TO MANAGE TRAUMA

In counselling, we work together at your pace to support resilience and recovery. Some helpful tools may include:

• Grounding Techniques
  Learn ways to anchor yourself in the present moment when overwhelmed by flashbacks, anxiety, or dissociation.

• Body Awareness and Nervous System Regulation
  Use breath-work, movement, or somatic practices to calm the body and signal safety to your system.

• Trauma-Informed Cognitive Strategies
  Gently explore and shift beliefs that may have formed around worth, safety, or control after trauma.

• Emotional Processing
  Create space to name, validate, and work through feelings of grief, anger, shame, or fear without becoming overwhelmed.

• Self-Compassion Practices
  Replace self-blame with understanding and care, recognizing that your reactions were survival responses.

• Safe Connection and Relationship Repair
  Rebuild trust in others and in yourself, working through attachment wounds and relational patterns.

• Pacing and Boundaries
  Honour your limits, set boundaries, and allow your healing to unfold in manageable, empowering steps.

HEALING FROM TRAUMA WITH COMPASSION AND CARE

At Metta Core Counselling, we understand that trauma can leave lasting impacts—on your emotions, your relationships, and your sense of safety in the world. Whether you’ve experienced a single event or ongoing trauma, the effects can feel overwhelming and isolating.

We offer compassionate, personalized support to help you process and heal from trauma at your own pace. Together, we create a safe and supportive space where your story is honoured, your resilience is recognized, and your healing journey is respected. Using an integrative approach that draws from mindfulness, trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapy, narrative therapy, and solution-focused strategies, we work to gently rebuild trust, restore emotional balance, and reconnect you with your inner strength.

You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone—healing is possible, and we are here to walk beside you every step of the way.