Recognizing Trauma
Trauma can manifest in many ways, and recognizing it is the first step toward healing. It isn’t always caused by a single catastrophic event—sometimes, it stems from prolonged stress, neglect, or emotionally overwhelming experiences. If you find yourself feeling stuck, reactive, or disconnected from your body, trauma may be at the root.
Possible Traumatic Incidents
Trauma can arise from a variety of life experiences, including:
✨ Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
✨ Neglect or abandonment
✨ Accidents or serious injuries
✨ Medical trauma or chronic illness
✨ Witnessing violence or disasters
✨ Loss of a loved one
✨ Emotional manipulation or toxic relationships
✨ Bullying or social rejection
Possible Trauma Symptoms
Trauma affects both the mind and body. Recognizing symptoms can help in taking steps toward recovery.
Physical Symptoms
? Chronic pain or tension (e.g., headaches, muscle tightness)
? Digestive issues (IBS, nausea, appetite changes)
? Fatigue or insomnia
? Rapid heartbeat or panic attacks
? Autoimmune or inflammatory responses
Emotional & Psychological Symptoms
? Anxiety, depression, or mood swings
? Dissociation or feeling “numb”
? Hypervigilance or being easily startled
? Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships
? Guilt, shame, or self-blame
? Repeating patterns of unhealthy behaviors
Healing Through Somatic Trauma Therapy
Somatic trauma therapy focuses on reconnecting you with your body’s wisdom to release stored tension and restore a sense of safety. Healing involves:
? Cultivating body awareness and nervous system regulation
? Releasing trapped survival responses through movement and breathwork
? Processing emotions without becoming overwhelmed
? Rebuilding a sense of connection, resilience, and empowerment
? Recovery is possible. Your body holds the key to healing—somatic therapy can help you unlock it. ?
Meet Brian & Alicia Derrico
Certified Temple Gates™ Practitioners
Brian and Alicia have more than 25 years of experience in counseling, deliverance, and inner healing. Throughout their journey, they have continually sought out any missing pieces that could lead to complete healing and freedom. When Anna from Trauma Gates personally invited them to a specialized training, they recognized it could provide a crucial piece of the puzzle. As they learned how trauma affects the brain, cellular memory, and overall well-being, they realized they were right—this was a transformative addition to their work.
Now, as licensed practitioners of Somatic Trauma Therapy, Brian and Alicia are passionate about using the tools and insights they’ve gained over their 25-year journey to help others experience profound freedom from the effects of trauma.
ANS & SOMATIC TRAUMA THERAPY
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is part of the larger nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions like heartbeat, breathing, and digestion. It operates largely without conscious effort and is divided into two main branches.
First, is the Sympathetic Nervous System which helps the body respond to stress or danger. Second, is the Parasympathetic Nervous System which helps the body calm down after a stressful situation.
”I remember one session connecting to what I was feeling and attuning to new sensations in my body – I could be present and be with the pain instead of flying away and keeping busy in my head. My practitioner held space for me so well – she kept me focused on finding my voice/sound – when I disconnected, she carried me back to the present so I wouldn’t disconnect. I loved my practitioner and look forward to doing more sessions.”
– Mina M.
