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What is trauma—and how do you know if you've experienced it? In this first episode of Trauma Demystified, I introduce the podcast, share my own story of healing from childhood violence, and break down what trauma actually is, the different categories it falls into, common symptoms, and what recovery can look like when you're ready to begin your journey.

What You'll Learn

• What trauma actually is: an experience that overwhelms your nervous system and blocks your capacity to integrate it emotionally
• The difference between explicit memories (you remember the event) and implicit memories (you feel sensations and emotions but can't connect them to what happened)
• Five categories of trauma: shock trauma (single events like accidents), developmental trauma (childhood experiences), relationship trauma (betrayal by trusted people), systemic trauma (oppression and structural violence), and intergenerational trauma (wounds passed across generations)
• Common symptoms of trauma: anxiety, depression, mood swings, guilt and shame, dysregulated nervous system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn), dissociation, hypervigilance, nightmares, flashbacks, chronic pain, and more
• Why symptoms are adaptive coping skills—not signs you're broken—and how the trauma-informed perspective asks "what happened to you?" instead of "what's wrong with you?"
• The three phases of trauma recovery based on Judith Herman's model: restoring safety and stability, resolving trauma and grieving losses, and reintegrating into life
• Why recovery looks different for everyone—and depends on what happened to you, your resources, and where you're starting from
• The importance of parts work, healthy connections, non-judgmental environments, and reconnecting with your body and breath

Who This Is For
This episode is for anyone who suspects they've experienced trauma but doesn't know where to start, feels confused by their symptoms, or has internalized stigma and believes they're "broken" or "crazy." It's also for people who want to understand what trauma recovery actually involves before beginning their healing journey—and need hope that healing is possible, even if the path feels uncertain right now.

If you’d like to explore more, here are some ways to connect:

• Discover more about my work: https://brighthorizontherapies.com/
• Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brighthorizontherapies/
• Send me a message: [email protected]

Trauma Demystified is not intended to replace professional guidance, support, medical treatment, or therapy. Please feel free to consult your physician or a mental health professional for any questions about mental health symptoms.

Bright Horizon Therapies is located in the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda. This land is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III. I acknowledge the traditional caregivers of the land and the importance of a commitment to the continued decolonization of my work.