Healing from Trauma

If you're reading this, chances are you’ve been through something difficult, know someone who has or just want to know a bit more about what healing form Trauma looks like. Trauma isn’t just one big, dramatic event—it can be anything that overwhelms you, leaves a lasting impact, or makes you feel unsafe in the world. Maybe you're struggling with old wounds that won’t quite heal, or perhaps you feel stuck, like no matter what you do, you can’t seem to move forward. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? But here’s something important to remember: healing is possible. It might not happen all at once, but just like a plant that’s been neglected can revive with care, you, too, can grow and flourish again.

Trauma affects people in different ways—it can impact your body, your thoughts, and your emotions. You might find yourself feeling on edge, overwhelmed by the smallest things, or emotionally numb. It’s not a failure on your part—it’s a survival response. Your mind and body have been doing their best to protect you. But you don’t have to stay in survival mode forever. Healing isn’t about erasing what happened; it’s about learning to feel safe, nurtured, and connected again, at your own pace.

As Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, states, “The body keeps the score: if the trauma is not processed, it gets stored in our bodies as tension, disconnection, and even physical pain.” Healing involves more than just talking—it’s about reconnecting with yourself in a way that allows your mind and body to feel safe again.

The Fragility and Resilience of Plants—and Humans

Much like plants, humans need the right conditions to thrive. Without enough sunlight, water, or nourishment, plants wilt, struggle, or even perish. Similarly, when we lack love, empathy, and self-care, we can feel stuck, overwhelmed, or lost. But here’s the good news—just as a neglected plant can recover with the right care, so too can we, given time, patience, and the right support.

A young sapling may look fragile, but with strong roots, it can weather storms and grow into something strong and magnificent. People are the same. Trauma can shake us, make us feel broken, or stunt our emotional growth. But healing is always possible with the right care and environment.

Carl Rogers, the founder of person-centred therapy, believed that, like plants, people have an innate drive to grow—if they are given the right conditions. He spoke about the importance of empathy, acceptance, and authenticity in healing. As he put it, “When I look at the world, I’m pessimistic, but when I look at people, I am optimistic.”

The Impact of Neglect: What Happens When Needs Aren’t Met

Ever left a houseplant in a dark corner and forgotten to water it? (We’ve all been there.) It doesn’t die right away, but it starts to droop. Maybe its leaves turn yellow, or the soil dries out. Humans aren’t so different. When we don’t get what we need—whether it’s emotional support, rest, or kindness—we can feel depleted.

Sometimes, people experiencing trauma feel like they’re “wilting,” weighed down by past pain or self-doubt. Therapy helps to bring back balance. Like a skilled gardener, a therapist doesn’t force change but instead creates the right conditions for growth—offering warmth, patience, and a safe space to heal.

Small Ways to Support Yourself in Healing

When you’re healing from trauma, even small things can feel overwhelming. That’s okay. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Here are some simple, low-effort ways to support yourself:

• Water Yourself (Literally and Figuratively): Drink a glass of water. It sounds basic, but when struggling, even small acts of care count.

• Breathe Without Expectation: No need for deep meditation—just notice one breath in and one breath out. That’s enough.

• Find a Pocket of Safety: Wrap yourself in a blanket, listen to calming sounds, or sit somewhere that feels secure. Safety—however small—helps healing.

• Give Yourself Permission to Rest: You don’t need to be productive to be worthy. Rest is a necessity, not a luxury.

• Connect in Tiny Ways: If reaching out feels too hard, start small—text a friend, pet an animal, or even smile at a stranger. Connection doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

  
  

Healing isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing what you can, when you can. And some days, simply making it through is more than enough.

Nurturing Growth Through Therapy and Self-Care

Healing doesn’t happen overnight. A plant won’t bear fruit the moment you water it—it takes time, consistency, and care. The same goes for emotional healing. Through therapy and self-care, we can cultivate resilience and self-awareness.

Therapy, is built on the belief that we all have the ability to heal, given the right conditions.

What Does “Enough” Look Like?

A common worry for people struggling with trauma is: “Am I doing enough?” Healing isn’t about perfection. Just as a plant doesn’t stress about growing as tall as the one next to it, we shouldn’t compare our progress to others.

“Enough” might look like:

• Taking small steps, even if they seem tiny.

• Allowing yourself to rest without guilt.

• Reaching out for support when you need it.

• Remembering that growth is happening, even if you can’t see it yet.

As poet Rupi Kaur beautifully puts it, “If you are breathing, there is more right with you than wrong with you.”

If you feel like you’re barely surviving, remember—even the toughest plants have endured droughts and storms. Growth may be slow, but it’s still growth. The fact that you’re here, reading this, means you’re already taking steps toward healing.

Counsellors, like good gardeners, don’t force growth. They simply provide the right conditions for healing. With time, support, and care, transformation is not just possible—it’s inevitable.

Like a garden in spring, you too will bloom again.

As a trauma-informed therapist, I know how tough healing can be. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to start, I’m here to help. I offer a safe, supportive space where we can explore your experiences together. You don’t have to do this alone.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to me. Let’s work together to cultivate the life you deserve—one where you can heal, grow, and thrive.