Several of the women appeared perplexed, as if to say, “Trauma? That’s you’re idea of having fun?” For a moment, I stepped inward and contemplated just how strange that may seem to others. But inside, the definitive answer to my self-analysis was “YES, Trauma!”

For nearly 10 years now I have spent my free time studying, diagnosing, analyzing and assisting others to heal from the negative outcomes of traumatic experiences. I have witnessed tremendous growth and miraculous healings when trauma is addressed. Attitudes shift, relationships improve, and obstacles which were once unbearable, become stepping stones to personal happiness and fulfillment. Seeing (and knowing) what’s possible with trauma survivors is a motivating force.

For example, many trauma survivors report having a poor memory. They often attribute their inability to retain thoughts as simply “getting old.” While it is true that aging can have an effect on memory, oftentimes stress is a bigger culprit. When the body is conditioned by previous traumas, a person confronted with a traumatic reminder may respond based on past experience. Their body is programmed to engage the ‘stress response system’ without any cognitive thought on their part. This system is more concerned with keeping you safe, than storing non-traumatic memory.

By addressing trauma in counseling, the body can be taught new ways of responding to old triggers. And with these changes in bodily perceptions, comes an opportunity for memory to improve. Rather than readying the body to escape, events are put into perspective, and the details associated with these events are effectively stored in the brain. In time, memory abilities often improve.

This is just one positive outcome of dealing with past traumas. Seeing people overcome their fears, watching relationships flourish, and witnessing the potential that emerges when the trauma story is resolved is the real gift of studying trauma. It’s a journey with a lifetime of rewards.