Understanding the Lasting Impact of Your Past: Childhood Trauma

Trauma isn’t just something that happened—it can continue to shape our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and even our physical health. If you’ve ever wondered why certain patterns keep repeating in your life or why anxiety seems to take over at the worst times, you’re not alone. The good news? Healing is possible, and understanding how your past may be influencing your present is the first step. Let’s explore some of the most common questions about trauma, its lasting impact and ways to move toward healing.

Understanding How Trauma Impacts You Is the First Step to Healing.

What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?

One way of understanding the experiences and impact from the past is through the lens of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These are stressful or traumatic events that happen before the age of 18, such as neglect, abuse, or growing up in a household with substance use or mental illness. Research from the original CDC-Kaiser Permanente ACE Study found that the more ACEs a person has, the higher their risk for mental health struggles, chronic illness, and even early mortality. When you grow up in a high-stress environment, your nervous system adapts to be on constant alert. That heightened stress response sticks with you into adulthood. These early experiences can shape brain development, stress responses, and coping mechanisms, and can often lead to heightened anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty in relationships. But, recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from them.

Do You React to Stress Like You’re in Danger?

You’re in a perfectly safe situation, but suddenly your heart starts racing, your stomach tightens and your thoughts spiral. Sound familiar? If you feel like your body overreacts to everyday stressors—and you have a history of traumatic experiences—you may be experiencing a trauma response. This happens because, as mentioned above, trauma rewires the nervous system. The amygdala, the brain’s alarm system, becomes overactive, while the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking) struggles to override it. Even when there’s no actual threat, your body reacts as if there is. A study from Harvard University Research on Trauma shows that trauma survivors often experience heightened fight-or-flight responses, even in safe situations. This can make anxiety feel overwhelming, but your brain is adaptable. With the right support, it’s possible to re-train your brain’s responses toward finding a sense of calm.

Can Trauma Affect Our Physical Health?

Yes, trauma doesn’t just live in the mind, it can live in the body. Studies show that people with high ACE scores are more likely to develop heart disease, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, and chronic pain. The link? Chronic stress. Trauma increases inflammation, disrupts immune function, and keeps the body in a constant state of high alert. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, explains that trauma is stored physically, often leading to tension, digestive issues, or unexplained pain. That’s why healing from trauma isn’t just about talking—it’s about holistically engaging the body through practices like EMDR, breathwork, and somatic therapy.

Can Past Trauma Impact Our Relationships?

If you struggle with trust, emotional intimacy, or setting boundaries, past trauma may be playing a role. Maybe you find yourself in the same painful relationship patterns and are unsure why. Or perhaps you crave closeness but push people away when they get too close. These are learned survival strategies. Research from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) highlights that early relational trauma, like neglect or inconsistent caregiving, can shape attachment styles. People who experienced childhood trauma may develop anxious or avoidant attachment patterns, making relationships feel confusing or overwhelming. You may be asking yourself “Is healing really possible?” The answer is yes, healing is possible through therapy, self-awareness, and practicing new ways of connecting with others.

Does Therapy Really Help Heal Trauma and Anxiety?

Absolutely. The brain has an incredible ability to heal, thanks to neuroplasticity—the ability to rewire and form new, healthier connections. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective therapies for trauma, helping to reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional charge. Studies have shown that the process of EMDR can decrease the negative emotions and vividness of disturbing images from past adverse life experiences, as well as decrease a wide range of symptoms of PTSD. Whether through EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy, or other trauma-focused approaches, therapy provides tools to break free from past patterns and build a more peaceful future.

Taking the Next Step Toward Healing.

You don’t have to carry the weight of your past alone. If anxiety, stress, or painful memories are keeping you stuck, therapy can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you're curious about EMDR or just looking for a safe space to explore your experiences, we can take that step together. I’m here when you’re ready.