How Trauma Changes the Nervous System — and How Healing Happens

Understanding Polyvagal Theory, Survival Responses, and Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma doesn’t just live in memories — it lives in the nervous system. Many people who have experienced trauma describe feeling constantly on edge, emotionally numb, overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted, even years after the event itself has passed. They often wonder, “Why can’t I just move on?"

At Full Circle Counseling & Wellness, we regularly work with individuals and families in Frankfort, Chicago, and surrounding communities who are navigating trauma responses without realizing it. Their bodies remain stuck in survival mode — not because they are weak, but because their nervous systems learned how to protect them.

Understanding how trauma changes the nervous system — and how healing occurs — can be deeply empowering. When clients learn that their symptoms are biological responses rather than personal failures, shame decreases and hope grows.

Trauma Is a Nervous System Experience

Trauma is not defined solely by what happened, but by how the nervous system responded. Two people can experience the same event and have very different outcomes based on prior experiences, support systems, and nervous system sensitivity.

Trauma can result from:

• abuse or neglect

• medical trauma

• accidents or injuries

• emotional abandonment

• chronic stress or instability

• sudden loss or grief

• witnessing violence

• growing up in unpredictable or unsafe environments

When the nervous system perceives a threat that feels overwhelming or inescapable, it shifts into survival mode — and sometimes never fully comes out of it.

A Simple Explanation of Polyvagal Theory

Polyvagal theory helps explain how the nervous system responds to safety and danger. While the science is complex, the concept is simple: your body is constantly scanning for safety.

The nervous system operates in three main states:

1. Ventral Vagal State (Safety & Connection)

This is where we feel:

• calm

• grounded

• emotionally connected

• curious

• present

In this state, we can:

• communicate clearly

• regulate emotions

• feel joy and closeness

• problem-solve effectively

This is where healing happens — but trauma can make this state feel unfamiliar or unsafe.

2. Sympathetic State (Fight or Flight)

When the nervous system detects danger, it activates survival energy.

Common signs include:

• anxiety

• panic

• irritability

• anger

• hypervigilance

• racing thoughts

• restlessness

This state is adaptive during real threats — but harmful when activated chronically.

3. Dorsal Vagal State (Freeze or Shutdown)

When the nervous system feels overwhelmed and unable to escape, it may shut down.

Signs include:

• emotional numbness

• depression

• dissociation

• fatigue

• hopelessness

• withdrawal

• feeling “checked out”

This is not laziness or apathy — it is a protective biological response.

How Trauma Rewires the Nervous System

Trauma teaches the nervous system that the world is unsafe. As a result, the body may remain stuck in fight, flight, or freeze — even when danger is no longer present.

Common Trauma-Related Nervous System Changes

• The amygdala (alarm system) becomes overactive

• The body stays alert even during rest

• Minor stressors feel overwhelming

• Emotional reactions feel intense or unpredictable

• Sleep becomes disrupted

• Trust and connection feel difficult

• The body reacts before the mind understands why

Many trauma survivors say:

• “I know I’m safe, but my body doesn’t believe it.”

• “I overreact and don’t know why.”

• “I feel numb and disconnected.”

These are nervous system responses — not character flaws.

Why Talk Therapy Alone Isn’t Always Enough

Traditional talk therapy focuses on thoughts and insight — which can be helpful. But trauma lives below the level of conscious thought, stored in the body and nervous system.

This is why many trauma survivors say:

• “I understand it logically, but my body still reacts.”

Healing trauma requires approaches that work with the nervous system, not against it.

How Healing Happens: Trauma-Informed Therapy Approaches

At Full Circle Counseling & Wellness, trauma healing is gentle, paced, and individualized. Below are therapy approaches that support nervous system regulation and recovery.

1. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical responses.

Benefits include:

• reduced emotional intensity

• decreased flashbacks

• improved self-worth

• integration of traumatic memories

EMDR does not require detailed retelling of the trauma and often works faster than traditional talk therapy.

2. Somatic Therapy (Body-Based Healing)

Somatic therapy focuses on:

• bodily sensations

• tension patterns

• breath and movement

• nervous system cues

Clients learn to:

• recognize when their body feels unsafe

• regulate stress responses

• release stored survival energy

This approach is especially effective for those who feel disconnected from their bodies.

3. Internal Family Systems (IFS)

IFS views the mind as made up of different “parts” — all trying to protect us.

Common parts include:

• anxious parts

• inner critics

• numb or withdrawn parts

• hypervigilant parts

IFS helps clients:

• understand protective behaviors

• build compassion for themselves

• heal wounded inner parts

• restore internal balance

This approach is deeply nonjudgmental and empowering.

4. Polyvagal-Informed Therapy

This approach teaches clients:

• how to recognize nervous system states

• how to return to safety and connection

• how to regulate without forcing calm

• how to build resilience over time

Clients learn that healing is not about eliminating stress — but about increasing nervous system flexibility.

5. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques

These tools help anchor the nervous system in the present moment.

Examples include:

• breath regulation

• sensory grounding

• gentle movement

• orienting exercises

• visualization

Over time, these practices teach the body that the present is safe.

What Trauma Healing Looks Like in Real Life

Healing does not mean forgetting the past. It means:

• fewer emotional overreactions

• improved sleep

• greater emotional awareness

• increased sense of safety

• stronger boundaries

• deeper connection with others

• self-compassion replacing shame

Healing happens gradually — not by forcing the body to “get over it,” but by teaching it how to feel safe again.

Why Trauma Healing Requires Patience and Support

Trauma responses developed to protect you. Healing is not about eliminating those responses — it’s about helping your nervous system update its understanding of safety.

This process works best when:

• therapy is paced

• trust is built slowly

• the body leads the process

• the client feels in control

At Full Circle Counseling, we prioritize safety, collaboration, and respect at every stage of trauma recovery.

In Closing

Trauma does not define you — but it may still be shaping how your nervous system responds to the world. Healing is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.

If you’re experiencing anxiety, emotional numbness, overwhelm, or feeling stuck in survival mode, Full Circle Counseling & Wellness offers trauma-informed therapy that honors your pace and supports true healing.

📞 Contact us today to begin your healing journey.