Real Talk: What Therapy Actually Feels Like

Let me be honest with you about what trauma therapy is really like, because the sanitized descriptions don't capture the full picture.

The First Few Sessions

Your therapist will probably seem impossibly calm while you feel like you're vibrating out of your skin. You might cry unexpectedly, or feel nothing at all. Both are normal. You might leave feeling raw and wondering if you made a mistake.

That's okay. You're safe now.

When You Start Processing

There will be days when therapy feels like emotional surgery without anesthesia. Memories might surface that you'd forgotten. You might feel angry at people you thought you'd forgiven. Your sleep might get worse before it gets better.

This isn't you getting worse – this is you getting real.

The Unexpected Moments

One day, you'll realize you went to the grocery store without checking every aisle for threats. Or you'll laugh at something – really laugh – and remember what joy feels like. You might have a hard conversation without your chest tightening.

These moments will multiply.

The Integration Phase

Slowly, you'll start to feel like yourself again. Not the "before" version – trauma changes us, and that's not always bad. You'll feel like a deeper, more authentic version. Someone who's been through fire and chose to keep their heart open anyway.