Invisible Wounds: Understanding and Healing Emotional Trauma
“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds.”
— Laurell K. Hamilton, Mistral’s Kiss
For many, these unseen wounds are the quiet companions of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They don’t leave visible scars, yet they shape lives in profound ways, altering how we think, feel, and connect with others.
“Emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as any physical injury,” says Jenny Rogge, LMFT, VP of Clinical Operations at Balance Treatment Center. “The difference is that you can’t see it from the outside, so it’s easy for others to miss how deeply someone is hurting.”
While PTSD is often associated with combat veterans or survivors of major disasters, Jenny reminds us that emotional trauma can stem from many experiences, loss, abuse, neglect, sudden accidents, even prolonged exposure to stress. “We tend to picture trauma as a single catastrophic moment,” she explains, “but for many people, it’s a collection of moments that chip away at their sense of safety over time.”
Recognizing these invisible wounds is the first step toward healing. Here, Jenny Rogge guides us through what emotional trauma is, the signs to watch for, and the steps toward recovery.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL (PSYCHOLOGICAL) TRAUMA?
Emotional trauma, also called psychological trauma, occurs when a distressing or frightening event overwhelms our ability to cope. It can be the result of:
- A single event (e.g., a car accident, assault, or sudden loss)
- Ongoing situations (e.g., domestic violence, childhood neglect, workplace harassment)
- Indirect exposure (e.g., hearing details of a tragedy or caring for someone in crisis)
Jenny notes that the hallmark of trauma is not the event itself but its lasting impact: “Two people can go through the same experience and have very different emotional responses. Trauma is about how our mind and body absorb and hold onto the event.”
COMMON SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
Because emotional trauma isn’t visible, it often goes unrecognized, sometimes even by the person experiencing it. Common signs include:
- Emotional Symptoms
- Intense anxiety or fear
- Mood swings or irritability
- Numbness or emotional detachment
- Cognitive Changes
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Persistent negative self-talk
- Physical Symptoms
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Fatigue or low energy
- Unexplained aches, headaches, or stomach issues
- Behavioral Shifts
- Avoiding places, people, or situations that trigger memories
- Withdrawing from friends and loved ones
- Turning to substances or unhealthy coping strategies
WHY EMOTIONAL TRAUMA IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED
One of the greatest challenges in addressing emotional trauma is its invisibility. Without visible wounds, many people assume someone is “fine” or “over it.” Jenny Rogge explains: “There’s a cultural tendency to tell people to ‘move on’ or ‘stay strong.’ But strength isn’t pretending you’re okay, it’s allowing yourself to acknowledge and work through the pain.”
Stigma also plays a role. People may fear judgment or worry that their experiences will be minimized. This can lead to silence and isolation, which only deepen the wound.
BALANCE TREATMENT CENTER’S APPROACH TO HEALING TRAUMA
At Balance Treatment Center, healing from psychological trauma goes far beyond easing surface symptoms. Jenny explains that the clinical team works to uncover the underlying conflicts and emotional patterns that often predate the traumatic experience itself.
“When we only focus on the event, we can miss the deeper story, the beliefs and coping strategies a person carried into that moment,” Jenny says. “Understanding that foundation is the key to creating lasting change.”
Treatment at Balance is rooted in trauma-informed care and tailored to each client’s needs. This may include evidence-based therapies such as psychodynamic therapy, as well as integrative approaches that support mind-body healing.
In Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), clients participate in a combination of group sessions, and family work, all designed to rebuild a sense of safety, improve emotional regulation, and restore trust in relationships. Additional offerings such as expressive art therapy, and mindfulness practices help clients process emotions in non-verbal and experiential ways.
“Recovery from trauma is not just about feeling better, it’s about building a stronger, more connected version of yourself,” Jenny adds. “Our goal is to give people the tools and support they need to carry that healing into every part of their lives.”
STEPS ALONG THE PATH TO HEALING
- Recognize and Validate Your Experience
- Accept that what you’ve gone through matters.
- Avoid comparing your trauma to others. Your pain is valid.
- Seek Professional Help
- Trauma-informed therapy provides a safe space to process and heal.
- Approaches like psychodynamic therapy help address both the root causes and current symptoms.
- Rebuild a Sense of Safety
- Create predictable routines.
- Spend time in environments and with people who feel supportive and non-judgmental.
- Practice Self-Care
- Gentle exercises, balanced nutrition, and regular sleep all support emotional recovery.
- Activities like journaling, meditation, or creative expression can help process emotions.
- Connect With Others
- Share your story when you feel ready.
- Join support groups where others understand your experiences.
A CLOSING WORD OF HOPE
The path from trauma to healing is not linear, and it’s rarely quick, but it is possible.
“I’ve seen people who felt broken find their way to a life full of connection, trust, and joy,” Jenny Rogge says. “It starts with the courage to say, ‘I’m hurting,’ and the willingness to take the first step toward help.”
The wounds may be invisible, but they are real, and so is the possibility of recovery. If you or someone you know is living with emotional trauma, know that you don’t have to walk that road alone. Isolation is not the answer. We all need connection. Support is out there, and healing can begin today. #HealingHappensTogether
