Medical trauma is real—and it can deeply affect how you feel in your body, in medical settings, and in life. Whether the trauma stems from a single emergency or years of navigating complex care, the emotional impact can linger. You may feel alone, misunderstood, or unsure why medical situations bring up so much fear or pain. If this resonates, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone.
What Is Medical Trauma?
Medical trauma refers to the emotional and psychological effects that can result from serious or ongoing medical experiences. This can include surgery, hospitalization, emergency care, or being diagnosed with a chronic illness. It can also arise from interactions with the healthcare system itself.
Trauma may show up as:
- Anxiety or panic before appointments
- Difficulty trusting medical professionals
- Feeling helpless, ashamed, or emotionally numb
- Avoiding care even when you need it
- Flashbacks or distressing memories related to procedures or diagnoses
These are not overreactions. They are your nervous system’s way of trying to stay safe after something overwhelming or painful.
Trauma Happens in Relationships—and Inside Ourselves
Medical trauma can affect us in two key ways:
Interpersonal trauma happens in our relationships—especially when we feel unheard, dismissed, judged, or disrespected by medical professionals. Being treated like a number, not a person, can cause deep emotional harm.
Intrapersonal trauma happens inside us—in our thoughts, emotions, and body. Even when care is well-intentioned, the experience itself may be overwhelming. We might feel powerless, violated, or out of control, and those feelings can become stuck in the body long after the procedure or crisis is over.
Healing Is Possible
If any of this sounds familiar, you deserve support. With the right tools and a compassionate approach, it’s possible to reconnect with your body, restore your sense of safety, and feel empowered in your care again.
I integrate mind-body approaches like EMDR, biofeedback, somatic therapy, and Internal Family Systems to gently help people process and heal from medical trauma—at your pace, in a way that respects your story.