Trauma Therapy, Matched to Your Nervous System
Trauma can leave your system acting like danger is still nearby—even when your life looks “fine” on paper. For some, this looks like a body that won’t unclench (always scanning, bracing, reacting fast). For others, it’s the opposite: going numb, foggy, or unreal when things get too much. These aren’t character flaws; they’re protection strategies that made sense once and may be showing up now in ways you didn’t choose.
Relief often starts when you work with someone who understands whether your system is stuck in high alert, shutdown, or swinging between both.
Important
- • You’re having frequent flashbacks or dissociation where you lose time, can’t stay oriented, or can’t keep yourself safe.
- • You’re in an unsafe environment right now (ongoing violence, coercion, or abuse) or fear imminent harm.
- • You’re thinking about suicide, self-harm, or harming someone else.
If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services right now. If you can, go to a safer place and reach out to someone you trust.
Why generic trauma advice fails
Generic advice assumes trauma looks the same in everyone. But different nervous systems require different entry points.
- Some systems run HOT (Hyperarousal): You’re keyed up, your heart is fast, sleep is light, and you scan rooms for threats. Calming techniques often feel impossible here because your body is screaming "danger." - Some systems run COLD (Hypoarousal/Dissociation): You look calm, but you’re actually "offline." You feel numb, foggy, or detached from your body. Techniques that require intense focus can make you check out even more.
A match that works for the "Hot" system can overwhelm the "Cold" system. That’s why InnerJourney matches by what’s driving your reactions—not just by the word "trauma."
What brings you here today?
Select what resonates most — we’ll match you to a clinician trained for that specific pattern.
My body won’t stop bracing →
You feel watchful, jumpy, and tense—like rest isn’t fully available, even when nothing is “wrong.”
Small things set me off →
A smell, tone of voice, or sudden noise can flip a switch—suddenly you’re flooded, angry, or panicked.
Nights aren’t safe for me →
Memories show up like they’re happening now—nightmares, intrusive images, or flashbacks that hijack the present.
I go numb or ‘leave my body’ →
You might lose chunks of time, feel disconnected, or watch your life through glass (dissociation).
I feel flat, not okay →
It’s not always sadness—it’s emptiness, shutdown, and a sense that you can’t access yourself the way you used to.
My trauma is showing up in my relationship →
Closeness can feel risky: you might pull away, cling, snap, or mistrust—even with someone you care about.
How trauma shows up
We often see trauma live in the body first. It often swings between **fight-or-flight** (heart racing, bracing, scanning for danger) and **shutdown** (numbness, fog, feeling far away). Re-experiencing can show up as nightmares or flashbacks, but often it's more subtle: a sense that your nervous system is always scanning for what could go wrong.
What people get wrong
"“If I’m functioning, it wasn’t trauma.”"
Many people keep working and caring for others while their body stays in survival mode; high-functioning trauma is common.
"“Triggers mean I’m being dramatic.”"
Triggers are learned threat associations. Your body reacts instantly because it's prioritizing speed over accuracy—it's a safety mechanism, not a choice.
"“If I’m numb, I must not care.”"
Numbness is often a 'freeze' response. It’s your system’s way of preventing overwhelm, not a lack of feeling.
"“I have to retell everything in detail to heal.”"
Guidelines emphasize evidence-based treatments, but good care includes preparation and pacing. You should not be flooded or re-traumatized by therapy.
When trauma goes unaddressed
Unchecked trauma patterns can quietly shrink your life. Over time, chronic hyperarousal leads to exhaustion and health issues, while chronic shutdown can create distance in relationships and a feeling of 'living behind glass.' Matching supports the root driver so you can reclaim your capacity to rest and connect.
What you can try right now
These can help in the moment — but if you keep needing them, that’s a sign it’s time for support.
Orienting (The slow scan)
Turn your head slowly and name 5 neutral things you see (colors, shapes). Let your eyes land on what looks safe or steady. This tells your brain you are here, not 'there'.
Cold water reset
Splash cool water on your face or hold something cold (like an ice cube) for 20–30 seconds. This triggers the 'dive reflex' to help lower heart rate.
Two-sentence reality check
Say: “That was then. This is now.” Then add one specific present detail: “I’m in my room, it’s 2025, and I’m safe enough in this moment.”
5–4–3–2–1 grounding
Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste. Use it to Return to the room.
If these help, that’s useful information. If you find yourself doing them repeatedly just to get through the day, it may be time to work with someone who can help your system change the pattern.
Ready to feel safer in your own body?
Start with a brief questionnaire that listens for your pattern—high alert, shutdown, dissociation, reliving, or relationship impact. The goal is a clinician who recognizes what your system is doing and knows how to work with it.
If the first match doesn’t feel right, we’ll rematch you (on us).
Start the Questionnaire