Trauma-Informed Therapy in Colorado: What it is and Why it Matters
Trauma. I'm sure you've seen and heard this word before.
The explosion of mental health practitioners and self-proclaimed "mental health experts" on TikTok's "TherapyTok" feed has attempted to make mental health knowledge more accessible while also decreasing stigma about mental illness. While I appreciate individuals sharing their experiences, how do we distinguish between anecdotal and scientific evidence?
As a trauma-informed therapist in Colorado, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, trauma is defined as: "event(s) or circumstance(s) resulting in physical harm, mental harm, emotional harm, and life-threatening harm." (1) (2026, May 8).
While this is one definition, trauma is subjective, meaning the experience is based on the individual's perspectives and life experiences.
So, you're saying that people sharing their thoughts and life experiences on TikTok are trauma(s)? Yes, that is correct! If a human expresses that they have had a traumatic incident, believe them.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care and Why Does It Matter?
Trauma-informed therapy shifts the burden off the client. (2025, December 4).
The question becomes reframed from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you, and how do your past experiences still impact you?" (2025, December 4). Trauma recovery can be conceptualized into three general stages:
Safety and stabilization
Remembrance and Mourning
Reconnection
The Three Stages of Trauma Recovery
The stages are not definitive, and should not be taken literally. Healing happens in spirals, not a straight line. Herman, J. L. (2022). The goal of trauma-informed therapy is for the client to feel a sense of safety, autonomy, and empowerment (2025, December 4).
Trauma-Informed Therapy Services in Colorado
Balance and Boundaries offers a space for individuals seeking support after traumatic experience(s) to work towards finding safety, stabilization, and connection. I provide psychoeducation about how trauma affects the brain in conjunction with body-based healing practices, mindfulness, and inner-child work.
Ready to take the first step? Reach out today to schedule a free fifteen-minute consultation for virtual trauma teletherapy services in Colorado.
References:
Trauma and violence: What is trauma and its effects?. SAMHSA. (2026, May 8).
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/trauma-violence
Understanding the importance of trauma-informed care. NNEDV. (2025, December 4).
https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/understanding-importance-trauma-informed-care/
Herman, J. L. (2022). Stages of Recovery . In Trauma and Recovery The Aftermath of
Violence-From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror (2nd ed., pp. 191–230). essay, Hachette
Book Group.
