YOU FEEL IT CONSTANTLY, CLOSE YOUR EYES, AND YOU ARE THERE AGAIN

You hear a noise, smell something, and you crumble into a heap. Panic sets in. You are constantly scanning your surroundings, afraid something else will happen. You wait for the “other shoe to drop” because you know it always does. You feel you will never return to a safe place again. You can’t believe what happened; no one seems to understand.

You curl up on the floor, crying, feeling hopeless and alone. Maybe you can’t go outside or to the grocery store. Maybe driving gives you nightmares. A loud pop makes you cover your ears and run for cover. You sit in a room with people, but you have to stay in a corner, back against a wall, watching every possible entrance. Your brain is on high alert and never seems to slow down.

POST‑TRAUMATIC‑STRESS

When you hear people talk about post‑traumatic stress you think, “yeah, that’s me.” Many associate trauma with military combat or first‑responder work—those are examples of complex trauma that often lead to complex PTSD. But trauma is far broader. A car accident that left you paralyzed with fear, the sudden loss of a loved one, witnessing a tragic event, abuse, assault, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, or chronic manipulation by someone who claims to love you—all can produce the same symptoms.

You don’t have to keep living this way. You don’t have to stay on high alert all the time. There is hope, there are answers, and you can heal from your trauma regardless of its severity or how others judge it.

TRAUMA DEFINED

Merriam‑Webster defines trauma in three ways:

An injury (such as a wound) to living tissue caused by an external agent. A disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury. An agent, force, or mechanism that causes trauma. For mental‑health purposes we can define trauma as any wound—particularly to the psyche—that creates a state of emotional stress and interferes with social or occupational functioning. Whether you call it a traumatic event, an adverse life event, or simply a “bad experience,” you know it is holding you back. You may be tired of constant fear, of feeling like you’re “jumping out of your skin,” or even wishing you could die.

FIGHT, FLIGHT, FREEZE, OR ACQUIESCE?

Historically the trauma response was called “fight or flight.” Researchers later added “freeze,” and more recently some describe a fourth response: acquiesce (giving in). These patterns can become part of your identity, even though they don’t have to.

Fight – Anger, aggression, snapping at nothing, or lashing out at loved ones. Anger is often a lingering reaction to trauma. While your behavior isn’t excused, you are responsible for managing it so you don’t hurt others.

Freeze – Feeling stuck, silent, or pretending the problem isn’t there. You may sit quietly while anxiety builds, hoping it will pass. You can learn to turn that freeze switch off.

Flight – Avoidance, running away from problems, “squirreling” out of uncomfortable situations, or ending relationships to escape pain. It’s time to stop running and start living.

Acquiesce – Becoming the “people‑pleaser,” giving up your needs to keep others comfortable, or identifying as an “empath” while losing yourself. Healthier boundaries are possible, and you can heal while still caring for others.

HEAL PERMANENTLY

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can provide fast, lasting relief. With ART you do not have to retell your story over and over. You view it one last time, allowing your brain to slow down, reorganize, and turn off the fight‑or‑flight switch. The memory stays, but the intense feelings fade.

Three criteria predict ART success:

You can move your eyes side‑to‑side. You can hold a thought (you’re doing that right now). You want to change—motivation is the strongest predictor of outcome. I am Vickie, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryville, TN, and I help people from Knoxville and the surrounding communities heal from trauma and adverse life experiences. TN License Number 579. Verify my license here: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html

I can help you. Click the link at the top of the page so we can talk.

SUMMARY Trauma can manifest as fight, flight, freeze, or acquiesce, keeping you stuck in fear and distress. Understanding these responses and using evidence‑based Accelerated Resolution Therapy—combined with a faith‑centered, compassionate therapist—offers a path to lasting healing and freedom from the grip of trauma.

CITATIONS

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM‑5‑TR). – Defines PTSD and trauma‑related disorders. Miller, R. J., et al. (2022). Accelerated Resolution Therapy for PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(4), 456‑466. DOI:10.1002/jts.22789. – Evidence for ART effectiveness. Lambert, M. J., & Barley, D. E. (2001). Research Summary on the Therapeutic Relationship and Its Impact on Outcomes. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 38(4), 357‑370. – Shows therapeutic alliance as strongest predictor of success. Proverbs 12:15; 11:14; 19:20‑21 (English Standard Version). – Biblical call to seek wise counsel. James 5:16 (ESV). – Scripture on confession and healing. Merriam‑Webster Dictionary. (2024). Trauma entry. https://www.merriam‑webster.com/dictionary/trauma – Definitions of trauma.

Credentials

I am Vickie, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Maryville, TN, TN License Number 579. Verify my license here: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/pcmft-board.html