A Counselors Letter

Dear Friend,

I want to begin by saying: what you’ve been through matters. Trauma can leave deep marks, not only in the mind but in the body and heart. If you sometimes feel overwhelmed, shut down, or unsure of yourself, that does not mean you’re broken — it means you’ve survived something painful, and your body and emotions have worked hard to protect you.

Trauma often teaches us to guard ourselves, to pull away, or to brace for impact. But inside of you is a deep longing to feel safe, seen, and cared for. That longing isn’t weakness — it’s your strength. It shows you are wired for connection, even after hurt. 

You may notice moments when emotions come rushing in like a storm, or other times when you go numb, almost as if you’re watching life from far away. Both are natural responses to trauma. They are not flaws; they are your nervous system’s way of trying to keep you safe. With compassion and patience, those responses can soften, and you can learn to feel steadier in your own skin again.

If I could offer you one thing today, it’s this: you don’t have to face this alone. Healing doesn’t happen by pushing the pain away or “getting over it.” It happens when you have someone with you — a partner, a friend, a therapist — who can hold your story with gentleness and help you discover that you are not too much, not too broken, and not unlovable.

Please remember: you are not defined by what happened to you. Your pain deserves space, your voice deserves to be heard, and your heart deserves to be held with care. There is hope, even if right now it feels far away. One step at a time, with safety and compassion, you can move toward healing.

With love,

Shira