How We Treat Trauma at TAC (And Why It Works)
- Sara Parrish
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 12
It starts with something small.
A sudden fear of going to work.
Outbursts that come out of nowhere.
You try to feel safe again.
You try to reconnect.
But nothing works the way it used to.
Whether the trauma happened recently or long ago, you might be carrying the weight of your own past.
Or maybe you're watching someone you love struggle.
Either way, the ripple effects can be hard to untangle.
Why does everything feel so hard?
Why can’t I move on?
Am I ever going to feel like myself again?
You’re not overreacting.
And you’re not broken.
You’re navigating the invisible wounds of trauma.
This guide breaks down how trauma really affects the brain and behavior, how to recognize the signs, and how our trauma-informed care helps people of all ages heal, together.
👉 Fill out our 30-second form to get started
What Trauma Really Looks Like (It’s Not Always Obvious)
Trauma doesn’t always show up the way you expect.
One man in Cincinnati told us he hadn’t felt safe in his own home for years, even though nothing looked wrong on the outside.
It’s not just nightmares or flashbacks.
It’s avoiding people.
Feeling on edge.
Constant self-doubt.
Trauma is the brain’s response to a moment that felt terrifying, overwhelming, or completely out of control.
And in real life, it often shows up as:
Constant irritability
Trouble sleeping or eating
Panic over routine changes
Zoning out or “numbing”
Avoiding certain people, places, or conversations
Big emotions that don’t match the moment
These are not bad behaviors.
They’re survival responses.
They’re your nervous system saying,
“I’m not safe.”
Neuroscience backs this up.
Brain scans show that trauma can overactivate the amygdala (fear center), slow down the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking), and scramble the way memories are stored.
According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing (2021), approximately 70% of U.S. adults have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. This includes events such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, or violence, which can deeply affect emotional well-being.
That’s over 223 million people.
If you’ve lived through something painful, you’re far from alone, and you deserve support, not silence.
So no, you’re not choosing this.
And yes, there’s hope for healing.
“Trauma changes how people see the world, and how they see themselves. When we slow down and work with the nervous system, healing becomes possible.” — Lisa Willis, LSW, TAC Indianapolis Office, Associate Clinician
🛠️ The Tools That Actually Help: How We Treat Trauma at TAC
Our trauma care is built around one truth: Safety comes first.
At TAC, we use evidence-based tools that honor your pace and help rebuild your sense of safety and control.
Here’s what our trauma treatment can include:
To help make sense of what happened in a way that feels safer, shift unhelpful beliefs, and feel more in control.
A gentle method to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories.
💬 DBT
For those who struggle with emotional regulation, self-harm, or intense relationship fears.
For those facing severe anxiety, sleep issues, or mood symptoms.
When weekly therapy isn’t enough.
So your support system can be part of your healing, too.
We work with clients from across Cincinnati, Dayton, and Indianapolis, from young adults to older adults coping with years of silent pain.
You don’t need to have the perfect words.
You just need a place to start.
“A lot of people come to us exhausted and overwhelmed. But we’ve seen incredible transformation. Healing is absolutely possible.” — Sarah Snow, MSW, LSW, TAC Dayton Office, Clinician
🌱 What Progress Really Looks Like
Healing from trauma isn’t linear.
But you’ll start to notice the signs:
Someone who used to avoid leaving the house now walks outside without fear.
A person who couldn't sleep begins to rest through the night.
A partner who used to feel shut out now sees connection return.
We’ve seen clients who barely spoke begin to share their story.
We’ve seen people go from walking on eggshells to walking in confidence.
One client in Indianapolis told us they hadn’t felt safe for years.
But with time, support, and a trauma plan in place, they began to feel calm again.
They felt that change from the inside out.
🚀 Starting Trauma Therapy at TAC: What Happens First (And Why It’s So Simple)
👉 Fill out our 30-second form to get started
We start with something simple:
Listening.
No pressure to retell every detail.
No expectations of where you “should” be.
Just a safe space to say,
“I’m struggling. And I need help.”
You’re not alone.
And you’re not failing.
You’re already doing the most important thing: seeking support.
Let us walk with you the rest of the way.
👉 Fill out our 30-second form to get started
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always consult a licensed professional.
Comments