Trauma can come from multiple sources and can present in numerous ways, but trauma consistently and significantly affects an individual’s emotional and physical well-being. As renowned psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk notes, trauma is not defined by a particular event but by the ongoing, internal imprint of past pain, fear, and horror that continues to affect individuals in the present.

Trauma first began to be more seriously studied following veterans coming home from war; it was initially termed "shell shock" but later became known as PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder). Not all individuals who are exposed to trauma go on to develop PTSD, and most individuals do not qualify for a PTSD diagnosis following a traumatic event; however, trauma is painful and can drastically hinder functioning, relationships, and overall happiness.

Choosing to enter trauma treatment is an important yet scary and multifaceted journey for most people. The decision to start takes bravery, especially since discussing unpleasant topics is not easy. A trauma-informed therapist is knowledgeable about the complexities and impact of trauma; they will aim to offer individualized, strengths-based treatment, taking pacing and personal situations into account. Feeling a sense of safety and solid support from a chosen therapist is paramount.

There is a wide variety of trauma-focused therapy approaches now available, including TF-CBT (trauma-focused

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