When people hear that I work with trauma, there’s often a bit of hesitation or confusion. Some people immediately think, “I haven’t been through anything that bad.” Others assume trauma only refers to extreme experiences, like violence or major accidents.

But trauma isn’t just about what happened to you. It’s about how your mind and body experienced it. And that opens the door to a much wider, and more real understanding of what people are actually carrying. Two people can go through the same experience, where one walks away okay, and the other doesn’t. That doesn’t make one person “stronger” than the other. It just means their nervous systems responded differently.

It’s Not Always One Big Event

Yes, trauma can come from a single overwhelming experience, like an accident, loss or medical scare. These moments can leave people feeling anxious, unsafe, or unable to fully relax.

But trauma isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it builds quietly over time. It can come from:

– Growing up feeling unseen or unheard

Being constantly criticised

Living in a home where things felt unpredictable

Being the “strong one” who had to hold everything together

Relationships where you didn’t feel safe, valued, or secure

On their own, these experiences may not seem significant, but over time, those experiences shape how you feel, how you cope, and how you relate to others.

When It Shows Up In Daily Life

Many people don’t realise they’re dealing with trauma because it doesn’t feel like a memory-it feels like who they are.

It can look like:

– Overthinking and anxiety

– Struggling to switch off or relax

– Feeling emotionally overwhelmed or shut down

Difficulty trusting others

Always expecting something to go wrong

– Being overly self-critical

By the time someone reaches out, they’re often not saying, “I have trauma.” They’re saying, “I’m exhausted,” or “I don’t feel like myself,” or “I don’t know why I’m like this.”

So, Who Do I Work With?

I don’t just work with trauma in the way people expect. I work with people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected people who are tired or just coping and want to understand themselves better. You don’t need a dramatic story to deserve support. If something is affecting your quality of life, that’s enough.

A Different Way To Think About It

You don’t have to prove that your experience was “bad enough”. If your body is still holding onto it, if it shows up in your thoughts, reactions, or relationships, then it matters, and it’s worth working through

Sheena Nair is a Registered Psychological Counsellor specialising in Trauma. Sessions can be scheduled at her rooms, virtually, or via chat packages. Please contact her practice for more information.

“Supporting individuals in moving from survival mode to sustainable wellbeing.”

Sheena Nair, BPsych Psychology Trauma Registered Specialist Trauma Therapist (HPCSA)

Dunmed Inc. 84 Victoria Street Dundee

For appointments, call or WhatsApp 070 426 5695