Blog #12 Trauma Part 0: Introduction and Resources

A Sincere Offering From a Trauma Therapist

In the discussion of mental health, “trauma” is a big word for many. It often conjures feelings of fear, curiosity, of being overwhelmed, even being puzzled. In the second half of 2025 through the beginning of 2026, I am presenting a six-part blog series covering trauma in an educational but relatively straightforward approach. The information presented is based on evidence-backed research, as well as my own personal and professional experiences. 

This series is catered to both non-professionals and healthcare professionals alike. The goal is to provide supportive information on trauma recovery. Trauma recovery in this series means decreasing stress response to trauma triggers. In other words, trauma recovery is meant to make us feel less stressed in the face of triggers that remind us of the “bad things” that happened to us.

We will cover:

• What is trauma, and why does it develop?

• Trauma and your thoughts

• Trauma and your body

• Trauma and relationships

• A better way for dealing with our negative emotions

• Intergenerational trauma

This series will serve as an overview on trauma. Although it is impossible to cover the full breadth of this topic, my approach can be used as a rough guide for creating a realistic orientation to your own trauma healing journey.

Suggestions on How to Approach This Series

To most, exploring the topic of trauma is an essential part of recovery. It does not guarantee an easy experience. Here are some tips for engaging with the content of this series.

1. Set a pace for reading. Even if the contents are not triggering, it can be a bit dense at times. The topic of trauma is not something to rush through. Take breaks if you need.

2. Use grounding tools while reading. Keep objects that soothe you around while you read. Check in with how you are feeling periodically.

3. Skip or skim through materials if they contain details that trigger you.

4. Know that you can always pause and come back at another time.

5. Reflect on the content. Try journaling, drawing, painting, or other creative outlets of expressions. Discuss the content with someone you trust. 

6. Find support. For the best results, you may want to consider finding support, like going to therapy, or finding a support group for this process. Sometimes, trauma recovery takes more than ourselves.

Additional Resources

Some of the content in the blogs are drawn from the books listed below. Additionally, I've provided a supplementary list of videos and other resources.

Books:

The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk An informational exploration of how traumatic experiences affect our nervous system, how that leads to long-lasting emotional distress, and solutions to undo the negative effects.

When the Body Says No – Gabor Maté| An exploration of the mind-body connection in regard to stress and trauma. Although some might argue that Maté overreaches on some of the claims on the linkage between emotions and specific chronic diseases, its position on how emotional health impacts physical health is a well-supported idea.

Waking the Tiger – Peter Levine If trauma manifests with body sensations, a.k.a. somatic phenomenon, it can be resolved with a body-centric approach. Peter Levine’s method, “somatic experiencing” is cutting edge in modern trauma therapy.

It Didn’t Start With You – Mark Wolynn An exploration on intergenerational and family trauma, Wolynn begins his book with explaining the phenomenon, and concludes with lessons on how to break from the insidious cycle.

Videos:

Trauma and the Brain  An overview of trauma and its emotional impact.

The psychology of post-traumatic stress disorder - Joelle Rabow Maletis An explanation of PTSD and the impacts it has on emotional health and the nervous system.

How to Regulate Your Nervous System for Stress & Anxiety | Peter Levine | Ten Percent Happier Peter Levine explains and demonstrates his understanding of trauma, and how to use the somatic approach to resolve it.

The Body Keeps the Score - Book Summary by a Therapist w/o the Triggering Bits An easy-to-approach description of the contents of the famous book that advocated the benefit of EMDR (Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing). Written by Bessel van der Kolk.

The Polyvagal Theory: The New Science of Safety and Trauma A scholarly presentation on the polyvagal theory describing our physiology and our emotions.

How Trauma and PTSD Change the Brain A description of brain physiology and trauma.

Study finds PTSD effects may linger in body chemistry of next generation A study on intergenerational trauma, and its emotional and hormonal impacts in subsequent generations.

Psychologist discusses how generational trauma affects Black women The emotional impacts of systemic trauma and its relations to the African American community.

It Didn't Start With You, But It Can End With You - Exploring Inherited Family Trauma w/ Mark Wolynn Mark Wolynn’s description on intergenerational trauma.

National Hotlines

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988

SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

RAINN (Sexual Assault Hotline) – 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

If you or someone you know is looking for therapy in the state of Colorado, you can reach me by visiting my PsychologyToday profile: HERE, or send an email to info@intorelationshipco.com

For more content, check out our podcast, and become even more psychologically savvy.

Disclaimer for Listed Resources

The resources listed on this website are provided for informational purposes only. Neither Yu Kit (Rex), Tse MA LPC, nor Into relationship counseling LLC endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the quality, safety, or outcome of services provided by any third-party organizations or professionals listed here. Please exercise your own judgment when choosing to contact any of these providers. Your engagement with these services is at your own discretion and risk. 

Media links and books listed are neither endorsed or affiliated with the author of this post and do not involve compensation or incentive for listing. Inclusion is in accordance with the regulations governing Mental Health Professionals under C.R.S. § 12-245 “Mental Health Practice Act”.

Disclaimer: Psychotherapy is a psychological service involving a client interacting with a mental health professional with the aim of assessing or improving the mental health of the client. Neither the contents of this blog, nor our podcast, is psychotherapy, or a substitute for psychotherapy. The contents of this blog may be triggering to some, so reader’s discretion is advised. If you think that any of my suggestions, ideas, or exercises mentioned in this blog are creating further distress, please discontinue reading, and seek a professional’s help.

Therapy Uncomplicated is a podcast that is meant to help people who feel alone and unsupported with their day to day struggles. We want to educate people on mental health and show it isn’t something to be afraid of. We provide the “whys” and the “hows” for a path to wellness. We are here to promote positive change by offering education and new perspectives that destroy stigmas in mental health, and encourage people to go to therapy.