What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional and psychological response to deeply distressing events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope. Unlike everyday stress, trauma leaves lasting imprints on the mind, body, and nervous system.
Trauma can stem from:
- Single-incident events: accidents, natural disasters, sudden loss.
- Chronic exposure: ongoing abuse, neglect, or unstable environments.
- Complex trauma: repeated events over time, often in childhood or relationships.
At Living Free, we view trauma not only as what happened to you, but also as what continues to live inside you. Trauma recovery is about more than reducing symptoms — it’s about restoring safety, balance, and resilience.
Common Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can affect every part of life. Symptoms may include:
Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories.
- Avoidance of reminders, conversations, or emotions.
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness.
- Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance.
- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
- Somatic symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, or digestive issues.
- Use of alcohol, drugs, or compulsive behaviors to self-soothe.
Not everyone responds to trauma in the same way. Some may develop PTSD or Complex Trauma, while others experience depression, anxiety, or addiction as secondary effects.
How Trauma Affects Daily Life
Unresolved trauma can:
- Disrupt relationships and trust.
- Lead to emotional numbing or difficulty regulating feelings.
- Contribute to chronic stress, burnout, or health problems.
- Fuel cycles of avoidance, maladaptive coping, or addictive behaviors.
Trauma may feel like it defines your life, but with the right support, recovery and resilience are possible.
Living Free’s Approach to Trauma Treatment
Our treatment model, developed by Dr Reshie Joseph, integrates neuroscience, psychology, and somatic practices. We use a six-domain framework that helps clients:
- Reframe negative beliefs.
- Regulate emotions and nervous system responses.
- Address intrusive memories and flashbacks.
- Heal relationships and rebuild trust.
- Break maladaptive coping cycles.
Reconnect with meaning and purpose.
Therapies We Offer for Trauma
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Somatic Coaching & Breathwork
- Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Behavioral Coaching
- Psychoeducation (nutrition, sleep, exercise)
By combining these approaches, we treat trauma at its roots — in the brain, body, and beliefs.
Why Choose Living Free
Evidence-based methods built on DSM-5 criteria and neuroscience.
A holistic team including psychotherapists, yoga instructors, and coaches.
A compassionate, client-centered environment.
Contact us today to begin your journey with Living Free’s trauma specialists.
