Trauma can affect both the mind and body in ways we don’t always recognize. One of the most common responses to trauma is dissociation. Dissociation can feel like being disconnected from reality, watching yourself from the outside, or struggling to stay present. Some people describe it as zoning out or feeling emotionally numb, while others …
Trauma, whether from a single life-altering event or prolonged distress, leaves an imprint on both the body and mind. Often, people downplay their experiences, unaware of how unresolved trauma silently shapes their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This can look like brushing traumatic events under the rug or convincing yourself that “it wasn’t that bad.” …
How Trauma Affects Sleep Trauma can impact every aspect of life—your emotions, relationships, and even your ability to rest. For many trauma survivors, sleep becomes a struggle, with nightmares or insomnia making it challenging to feel truly rested. Nightmares, in particular, are a common symptom of trauma and can create a cycle of exhaustion and …
Self-trust is the foundation of our autonomy, decision-making, and self-respect. Yet for trauma survivors—whether from childhood experiences, abusive relationships, or sudden life-altering events—self-trust can feel elusive or non-existent. Trauma often disrupts our ability to rely on our inner knowing, leaving behind doubt, shame, and fear. By understanding this impact and taking intentional steps to rebuild …
Have you ever wondered about the physical components of trauma and how it affects the body? Underneath the surface, many different things could occur when dealing with trauma. The neurobiology of trauma involves understanding how traumatic experiences can profoundly impact the brain and body. Trauma is a distressing, frightening, or overwhelming situation that can lead …
Intergenerational trauma affects more than one person—it passes to future generations. This type of trauma can come from major events like wars, systemic oppression, or displacement. It can also result from personal experiences, such as abuse or neglect. Understanding and addressing this trauma is key to breaking harmful cycles and healing ourselves and future generations. …
Experiencing a traumatic event can have a profound and lasting impact on your mental health and overall well-being. At Firefly Therapy Austin, we understand that the effects of trauma can disrupt your daily life, causing a range of stress reactions, including anxiety, flashbacks, and feelings of helplessness. Our trauma-informed care is designed to help you …
Understanding Childhood Emotional Neglect Childhood emotional neglect refers to the failure of caregivers adequately meet a child’s emotional needs, such as providing love, support, and validation. This can lead to experiencing trauma at a very young age, which has long-lasting effects on one’s life. Most importantly, childhood emotional neglect can disrupt the relationship with oneself …
What is Shame, and Why Does It Happen? Shame is a powerful and deeply ingrained emotion that can impact how you see yourself and interact with others. While guilt makes you feel bad about something you’ve done, shame tells you that you, as a person, are flawed. It says, “There’s something wrong with me,” “I don’t deserve love or …