For many, the holiday season is joyful, but for some, this time of year can bring back painful memories. In fact, about half of adults in the United States have experienced one traumatic event in their lives, and it’s normal for certain sights and sounds to cause these memories to resurface. 

When left unaddressed, trauma can contribute to emotional dysregulation or unhealthy coping behaviors that make it harder to feel safe or at ease during the holidays. Fortunately, trauma-informed care may help you. This treatment can shed light on how your trauma is affecting your present day and help you feel safe and empowered to overcome its effects. Our licensed clinical therapists at Lightfully are here to support you through this process. 

Let’s explore how trauma-informed care can help you this holiday season, so you can enjoy it to the fullest. 

5 ways trauma-informed care can support you

Trauma-informed care can help you understand how trauma is affecting your thoughts, body and emotions. This framework focuses on building safety and empowerment rather than reexposing you to painful memories. With trauma-informed care, you can learn how your relationships and behaviors are being affected. Each session can also be customized around your needs, goals and what works most effectively for you. Coping strategies, treatment sessions and other techniques can be used to address the effects of trauma.

Even if this time of year feels difficult, the right support can help you find peace. Trauma-informed care can help you process past events, understand how you feel and find effective ways to cope. Here are five ways it may support you. 

1. It helps you feel safe in the present moment. 

The holidays can bring up unexpected memories or feelings, especially when your routine gets busier and you’re facing stressful family situations. Trauma-informed care can help you feel grounded and safe, even when you’re feeling anxious.

Mindfulness and grounding techniques can help you stay connected to the present moment instead of being pulled back into past events. 

2. It encourages setting healthy boundaries. 

People who have experienced trauma may have a harder time setting boundaries. As a result, they may say yes when they don’t want to or take on too much because they want to avoid conflict. 

Trauma-informed care can help you recognize your patterns of people-pleasing and teach you to set limits. It’s OK to say no without feeling guilty. This might mean not attending certain events, spending less time with stressful family members or beginning new traditions that you want to try. 

3. It builds emotional awareness and compassion.

Trauma can make your feelings unpredictable and confusing. During trauma-informed care, you can learn why certain emotions come up and help you understand them without judgment. Over time, you can become more self-compassionate, which can help you make it through the stressful times of the holiday season. 

When you’re able to spot your emotional triggers and respond effectively, you can learn to cope. With practice, you can gain control over your trauma. 

4. It strengthens coping strategies.

Trauma-informed care can introduce you to many effective coping skills, helping you cope more effectively. You can practice mindfulness, journaling, grounding techniques or deep breathing. A licensed clinical therapist can work with you to reframe negative thoughts and help you feel better.

These skills can help you navigate the challenges of a stressful holiday season and create calming moments when you need them most. 

5. It fosters connection and support.

If you’re dealing with traumatic memories resurfacing during the holidays, you may feel alone, but trauma-informed care can help you connect with your loved ones and yourself. This treatment can show you how to build supportive relationships. You can create safe connections through treatment, your loved ones and peer support groups. Safety and trust go a long way toward recovery.

Get trauma-informed care at Lightfully

The holiday season can stir up a range of emotions. Whether you’re working through painful memories resurfacing or feeling overwhelmed, being aware of how you feel is the first step toward recovery. It’s OK if you experience different emotions than those around you. No matter where you are in your path to recovery, trauma-informed care can give you the guidance to approach the holidays with greater understanding and self-compassion. Most importantly, you don’t have to go through it alone.

At Lightfully, our licensed clinical therapists use evidence-based, data-driven and whole-person-centered care to help you feel safe, seen and supported this holiday season and beyond. We offer four levels of care, including our Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (vIOP) and Intensive Outpatient Program, so you can find treatment that meets your needs. If navigating this time of year feels overwhelming, remember you don’t have to do it alone. We can support you with trauma-informed care that can help you feel safe. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.