What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Understanding a Safer, More Effective Approach to Emotional Healing
If you’ve ever left therapy feeling overwhelmed or retraumatized, you’re not alone. It’s SO unfortunate. For many clients, traditional therapy doesn’t always account for the impact of trauma on the body and brain. That’s where trauma-informed therapy comes in—a compassionate, science-backed approach that begins with one simple, powerful question:
“What happened to you?”
Trauma Isn’t Just in the Past
Trauma isn’t defined solely by the event itself—but by its lasting effect on your nervous system. Whether from childhood neglect, medical trauma, emotional abuse, or a series of high-stress events, unresolved trauma often shows up as anxiety, chronic tension, relational conflict, or numbing. Trauma-informed therapy recognizes these symptoms not as dysfunctions—but as adaptive responses to overwhelming experiences.
Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Therapy
A trauma-informed therapist focuses on safety, regulation, and trust rather than forcing clients to rehash painful memories too quickly. At True North Vitality, we ground our work in key trauma-informed values:
Safety first – emotional and physical safety guide the pace of every session
Empowerment – clients are active participants in their healing journey
Choice and collaboration – we prioritize transparency and mutual decision-making
History – trauma is shaped by identity, environment, and lived experience
Beyond Talk Therapy: Integrating the Body and Brain
Trauma is stored in the body—so it must be healed through the body. At True North Vitality, we incorporate modalities that go beyond traditional talk therapy, including:
EMDR, which uses eye movements to process stuck trauma
Splankna Therapy, a faith-based energy modality that addresses trauma on a subconscious level
Expressive Arts Therapy, which allows the nervous system to process through creative expression
These tools all support what we call bottom-up healing—regulating the nervous system first, so the mind can catch up.
Who Benefits from Trauma-Informed Therapy?
If you’ve tried therapy before and felt stuck, trauma-informed care may offer the safety and structure you need to move forward. It’s particularly helpful for:
Survivors of complex trauma or childhood abuse
Those struggling with chronic anxiety, relational conflict, or burnout
People whose trauma has gone unrecognized—especially emotional neglect or spiritual abuse
Clients seeking a faith-integrated approach to healing
For those navigating relational pain, trauma-informed approaches can also improve marriage and family dynamics. Explore how in How Therapy Can Improve Your Family.
What to Expect in a Session
During a trauma-informed session at True North Vitality, your therapist will help you:
Track your body’s signals and stress responses
Develop personalized grounding techniques
Explore your trauma history with curiosity—not pressure
Create safe containers for processing painful emotions
Begin to reconnect with joy, trust, and self-worth
In some cases, trauma-informed therapy also addresses attachment wounds, emotional patterning, and spiritual integration, depending on your personal goals.
🧭 Ready to Begin?
Healing from trauma takes time—and the right kind of support. At True North Vitality, our team is trained in evidence-based and faith-sensitive approaches to trauma healing. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, emotional reactivity, or long-standing relational patterns, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to push through it alone.
Visit our FAQs to learn more or contact us to schedule a free consultation.
