Healing From Trauma: A Guide for Women to Reclaim Their Power
Trauma Doesn’t Just Leave a Mark
It can change the way you see yourself, your relationships, and the world around you.
It can make you feel stuck in survival mode—questioning your self-worth and wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.
As women, we often carry so much—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
And when trauma enters the picture, it can quietly take over, no matter how strong or capable we seem on the outside.
But healing is possible—and you don’t have to go through it alone.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is any deeply distressing experience that overwhelms your ability to cope. It may come from a single event or years of painful experiences that build up over time. Trauma can take many forms:
Emotional or physical abuse
Sexual violence or assault
Miscarriage, fertility struggles, or birth trauma
Toxic or emotionally abusive relationships
Loss of a loved one
Childhood neglect or abandonment
Workplace harassment or burnout
Witnessing a traumatic event
Trauma is not just about the event—it’s about how the nervous system responds to it. (Van der Kolk, 2014)
Why Letting Go of Trauma Is So Hard
Even if the experience is in the past, the emotional weight of trauma can linger.
You may feel anxious for no reason, constantly on edge, emotionally shut down, or overwhelmed by small tasks.
You might also notice relationship patterns, fear of trusting others, or a need to stay in control.
These are not flaws—they are trauma responses.
Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting.
It means helping your brain and nervous system understand that you’re no longer in danger. (Herman, 1992)
Common Signs of Unresolved Trauma in Women
Anxiety, irritability, or emotional reactivity
Difficulty trusting others or forming close relationships
Perfectionism or feeling like you're “never enough”
Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
People-pleasing and emotional burnout
Feeling numb or disconnected from your body
Shame, guilt, or self-blame
Depression or mood swings
Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
Using food, alcohol, or substances to cope
These are well-documented symptoms of trauma and PTSD—especially in women. (APA, 2013)
How Women Can Begin Healing From Trauma
1. Practice Mindfulness and Gentle Self-Care
Mindfulness-based practices help regulate the nervous system and reduce trauma symptoms. (Bremner et al., 2017)
2. Find a Supportive Community
Group therapy and peer support are especially healing for women with shared lived experiences. (Kessler et al., 1995)
3. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Healthy boundaries are vital after trauma. Asserting personal needs reduces stress and increases emotional regulation. (Linehan, 1993)
4. Regain a Sense of Control
Reclaiming autonomy through structure, routine, and empowered choices supports post-traumatic growth. (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004)
5. Work with a Trauma-Informed Therapist
Therapies like EMDR help reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. (Shapiro, 2001)
Why EMDR Therapy Can Be a Game-Changer for Women
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based trauma treatment that doesn’t require you to relive or share every detail of your experience to find relief.
At Salty Counseling, we follow the full 8-phase EMDR protocol, developed by Francine Shapiro, to ensure deep, lasting healing.
This approach has been shown to be effective across diverse populations. (Maxfield, 2007)
You Deserve to Heal—And It’s Okay to Start Now
Are trauma symptoms holding you back from the life you want?
Maybe you’re tired of pretending everything is fine—or maybe you’ve hit a point where you know something has to change.
Wherever you are in your journey, I’m here to help—with compassion, clarity, and trauma therapy that gets to the root of the pain.
Book a free consultation and take the first step toward lasting healing, peace, and the version of yourself that’s been waiting to emerge.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.)
Bremner, J. D. et al. (2017). A pilot study on mindfulness for trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3)
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery
Kessler, R. C. et al. (1995). PTSD in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry
Linehan, M. M. (1993). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder
Maxfield, L. (2007). Current EMDR research. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Shapiro, F. (2001). EMDR: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic growth. Psychological Inquiry
Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score
