When the Past Won't Let Go: A Deep Dive into Trauma Healing

What Is Trauma And How Do You Treat It?

Trauma leaves an imprint that goes far beyond the event itself, embedding itself in our bodies and minds in ways that can seem mysterious or even frustrating. A licensed clinical social worker from Southlake, Texas, Anne Chester discussed this complex topic, revealing how trauma actually works in our neurobiology and why so many of us struggle to "just get over it." The conversation distinguishes between what therapists call "big T trauma" – those life-altering, clearly identifiable events like accidents or violence – and the more insidious "little t trauma" that accumulates through persistent negative experiences that chip away at our sense of safety and self-worth. Anne explains how our nervous system processes (or fails to process) these experiences, leaving memories stuck in a way that continues to affect us years later. In this podcast, Anne shares her own experience with trauma, recounting a disturbing incident on a school field trip that affected her for decades before she connected it to her anxiety about public places. Through this personal story, she demonstrates why validation is so crucial to healing – acknowledging that an experience was genuinely difficult rather than dismissing its impact.

Anne explains how treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help the brain properly file these stuck memories, allowing people to move forward without carrying the burden of past experiences. Whether you're struggling with your own trauma, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this fundamental aspect of mental health, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and hope. Trauma may be complex, but healing is possible. Listen now and discover why Anne believes that when it comes to the pain of your past, "it doesn't have to be that way."

Ready to Try ART or EMDR Therapy in Southlake, TX?

If you're ready to experience the transformative benefits of ART or EMDR therapy and improve your sleep, consider reaching out to Anne Chester, LCSW.