What Is Trauma? Understanding Its Impact and Pathways to Healing

Trauma can result from a single, sudden incident—like a car crash or witnessing a tragedy. But many people also suffer from complex and developmental trauma that builds over time: childhood neglect, abuse, identity-based discrimination, systemic oppression, and chronic stress. For LGBTQ+ individuals, trauma often intersects with lived experiences of marginalization, making identity-affirming therapy vital.

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Types of Trauma

Some of the most commonly recognized forms include:

• Acute Trauma: One-time incidents (e.g., accidents, assaults).

• Chronic Trauma: Repeated or prolonged exposure to distress (e.g., abuse, bullying).

• Complex Trauma: Often starts in childhood with multiple traumatic events.

• Developmental Trauma: Arises from unmet physical or emotional needs in early life.

• Intergenerational Trauma: Passed down through family or collective cultural experiences.

 

Each person’s trauma experience is unique and deserves a compassionate, individualized approach.

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How Trauma Affects the Brain and Body

Trauma doesn’t just live in your mind—it lives in your body. The nervous system may get stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn modes, leading to:

• Anxiety, panic, or depression

• Numbness or emotional detachment

• Body tension or chronic pain

• Disrupted sleep or nightmares

• Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts

• Disordered eating or body image issues

• Substance use as coping

• Difficulty with trust and relationships

• Narcissism 

• Overthinking and hyper-performance

 

These are not signs of weakness—they’re signs of your body doing its best to keep you safe. Trauma therapy works by helping you move out of survival mode and back into safety and connection.

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Styles of Therapy Used to Treat at Chris Peters Psychotherapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional charge associated with them. By using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), EMDR helps "reprocess" memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional responses. It’s particularly effective for trauma-related conditions like PTSD.

 

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a unique approach that views the mind as a system made up of distinct "parts" or sub-personalities. Some of these parts may hold emotional wounds, while others work to protect the person from feeling those wounds. By understanding and integrating these parts, individuals can heal from trauma and reconnect with their true self—the compassionate, wise core of their being.

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Somatically Informed Therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind. Trauma is often stored in the body, and by tuning into bodily sensations, individuals can release trauma stored in the muscles, tissues, and nervous system. Somatic therapy emphasizes mindfulness, breathwork, and physical awareness to help clients regulate their emotions and reduce physical tension.

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LGBTQ+ Affirming Trauma Therapy in Chicago

Chris Peters Psychotherapy is proud to offer trauma therapy that affirms LGBTQ+ identities and centers lived experience. Many queer and trans individuals navigate trauma tied to rejection, religious harm, internalized shame, or societal marginalization.

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Inclusive therapy means every part of you is welcome—your gender, sexuality, body, and cultural background. You deserve care that sees you fully.

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Begin Your Healing Journey

Whether you're processing past abuse, managing anxiety, or feeling stuck in relationship patterns, trauma therapy can help you:

• Feel safe and connected in your body

• Develop emotional regulation

• Heal attachment wounds and build secure relationships

• Break free from survival patterns

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At Chris Peters Psychotherapy, trauma therapy is personalized, somatic, and LGBTQ+ affirming. Specialties include complex PTSD, developmental trauma, emotional neglect, and nervous system regulation.​

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