Therapy for Trauma and Physical Symptoms

Supporting adults with unresolved Trauma in Northern New Jersey.

Counseling for Trauma and Physical Ailments

Your body is being difficult, you are dealing with pain. You don't have energy to deal with the things you need to do or want to do. You push yourself to the end of your limit just to get through the day. Dealing with physical illness or ailments can take a lot of your energy away.


Trauma can manifest in various physical ailments beyond just autoimmune disorders. The mind-body connection is powerful, and psychological trauma can deeply impact physical health.

People who have experienced trauma might commonly report symptoms like headaches, chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. These physical symptoms can often be linked to unresolved emotional or psychological trauma.

When you experience trauma, the body's stress response can be triggered, leading to an imbalance in stress hormones like cortisol, which, if prolonged, can weaken the immune system and affect bodily functions. This can contribute to the development or exacerbation of physical ailments.

t can be difficult to manage symptoms, cope with limitations, and maintain a sense of normalcy in daily life. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone in your struggle. There are many resources available to support you. Reach out today, and let’s work on trauma release for you.

Benefits of Therapy for Trauma and Physical Ailments

Coping with Emotional Impact

Physical symptoms can often bring about a wide range of emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, grief, frustration, and anger. Mental health therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment for you to express and process your emotions, learn coping strategies, and develop resilience in the face these physical issues.

Managing Stress

Physical ailments can be stressful, as it can impact various aspects of a person's life, such as their physical health, daily routine, relationships, and finances. Therapy can help you develop effective stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness practices, and cognitive-behavioral strategies, to better cope with the stress associated with your ailments.

Improving Communication

Physical issues can strain relationships with family members, friends, and caregivers. Therapy can help you improve their communication skills, set healthy boundaries, and navigate difficult conversations related to these issues. This can help you maintain supportive relationships and reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Enhance Coping Skills

Living with a constant physical symptoms often requires you to develop adaptive coping skills to manage the challenges you may face. Therapy can provide tools and techniques to enhance coping skills, such as problem-solving skills, emotional regulation strategies, and cognitive reframing techniques, to better manage the impact of your illness/disorder on your daily life.

Psychoeducation

Psychoeducation on trauma and the nervous system equips you with knowledge and skills that facilitate your healing journey. It empowers you to actively participate in your recovery, enhances your resilience, and fosters a greater sense of control over your well-being.

Enhancing Life Quality/ Self Care

Physical symptoms may require you to adopt new self-care routines and make lifestyle changes. Mental health therapy can support you in developing self-care strategies, such as prioritizing rest, improving nutrition, and engaging in physical activity, to better manage your physical symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Build Resilience and Acceptance

Coping with chronic physical symptoms often requires one to adapt to new realities and adjust your expectations. Therapy can assist you in building resilience and acceptance, helping you develop a more adaptive mindset, manage changes in your life, and find meaning and purpose despite your physical issues.

Get Emotional Support

Dealing with physical issues can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, grief, and loss. Therapy can provide emotional support and validation, helping you process your emotions, express your concerns, and work through the emotional challenges associated with your issues.

Regulate your Nervous System

Trauma can dysregulate the nervous system, leading to heightened stress responses and physical symptoms. Somatic techniques like breathing exercises, gentle movement, and mindfulness can help regulate the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing physical manifestations of stress.

anxiety in the body

What could my physical symptoms look like?

Everyone’s body is different.

  • Anxiety often leads to increased muscle tension, resulting in headaches, jaw pain (TMJ), neck and shoulder pain, or generalized body aches.

  • Chronic stress and anxiety can dysregulate the immune system. Prolonged stress can lead to increased inflammation in the body, which is a factor in many autoimmune diseases.

    Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis are examples of autoimmune disorders where the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells.

  • Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are strongly linked to stress and anxiety.

    Anxiety can exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation or acid reflux in individuals.

  • Anxiety can elevate heart rate, cause palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

    Panic attacks, a severe form of anxiety, often involve intense cardiovascular symptoms.

  • Prolonged anxiety can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections or experiencing more frequent illnesses.

physical anxiety

Therapy can help with…

  • Therapy can help individuals develop coping skills to manage the stress and emotional challenges that often come with physical ailments.

  • Dealing with physical issues can be isolating and can lead to depression or anxiety. Therapy can help individuals improve their mood and feel more positive about their lives.

  • Therapy can help individuals improve their communication skills, which can lead to better relationships with healthcare providers and loved ones.

  • Physical symptoms or unresolved trauma can be stressful and overwhelming. Therapy can teach relaxation techniques and stress management skills to reduce stress levels.

  • Therapy can help individuals build resilience and develop a more positive outlook on life, which can improve overall well-being and quality of life.

“We have anxious thoughts because the brain is trying to keep us alive. To the brain, survival is much more important than happiness. So, the brain often conjures up worst case scenarios and “what ifs”, so that we can prepare for disaster. The trouble is, the brain regularly gets it wrong.”