Understanding Trauma & Healing: How the Brain and Body Recover
Trauma is more than something that happened in the past — it’s how our brain and body carry the effects of overwhelming experiences into the present. For many people, trauma shows up as anxiety, depression, sleep problems, physical tension, or a feeling of being “stuck.” The good news is that trauma can heal. With the right support, the brain and body can relearn safety, balance, and connection.
At GR Therapy Collective in Grand Rapids, MI, we specialize in trauma therapy to help individuals and families find lasting healing.
How Trauma Impacts the Brain
When we experience trauma, our nervous system goes into survival mode: fight, flight, or freeze. While this response protects us in the moment, it can leave lasting changes in the brain:
Amygdala (the alarm system): Becomes overactive, making it harder to feel safe.
Hippocampus (memory center): May have trouble separating past from present, which is why everyday situations can feel triggering.
Prefrontal cortex (thinking and planning): Can become underactive, leading to difficulty concentrating, regulating emotions, or making decisions.
These brain changes are why trauma feels so overwhelming — it’s not a weakness, it’s biology.
Why the Body Holds Trauma
Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind — it often shows up in the body. Many people notice:
Muscle tension, headaches, or chronic pain
Stomach issues or gut sensitivity
Feeling “on edge” or restless
Numbness or disconnection from the body
This happens because the nervous system remembers. Until it feels safe again, the body can stay in a constant state of alert.
Healing From Trauma
Healing begins with safety. Trauma therapy focuses on calming the nervous system, restoring balance, and gently processing painful memories so they no longer control your present. Evidence-based therapies that support healing include:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): Helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel overwhelming.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Uses “parts work” to build compassion for the protective parts of ourselves and heal wounded inner parts.
Mindfulness & Somatic Approaches: Grounding, body awareness, and breathing practices help regulate stress and reconnect with the present moment.
At GR Therapy Collective, we combine these approaches to meet you where you are and walk alongside you in your healing process.
Signs Trauma Therapy May Help
Feeling stuck in anxiety, depression, or grief
Re-living distressing memories or nightmares
Avoiding people, places, or things that remind you of the past
Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships
Physical symptoms with no clear medical cause
If you recognize yourself in these signs, you’re not alone — and healing is possible.
Trusted Resources on Trauma & Healing
If you’d like to explore more, here are some recommended resources:
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to carry trauma alone. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk with you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our trauma therapists in Grand Rapids.
Trauma Therapy in Grand Rapids, MI
At GR Therapy Collective, we believe recovery happens through connection. Our team of therapists offers compassionate, research-supported care for trauma, anxiety, and life stressors. Whether you’ve experienced a single event or ongoing challenges, therapy can help you find strength, balance, and hope.
We offer in-person sessions at our Grand Rapids office and secure telehealth for clients anywhere in Michigan.
📍Serving Grand Rapids, Ada, East Grand Rapids, and surrounding West Michigan communities.