Thriving after trauma

Time Does Not Automatically Heal All Wounds

Addressing the common belief that “time heals all wounds,” Dr. Gibson expressed caution. She noted that while time can offer distance and perspective, it does not guarantee resolution of trauma. 
In many cases, traumatic associations may intensify over time, especially if the nervous system continues to respond to subtle reminders of past events.

According to Gibson, the brain’s amygdala stores strong emotional associations. When a person encounters a trigger—whether a smell, sound, phrase, or situation—the body may reenact old responses unless the nervous system has been intentionally retrained. She emphasized that healing requires learning how to maintain a calm physical state even during emotional triggers.

Survival vs. Thriving After Trauma

Dr. Gibson outlined a clear distinction between surviving and thriving.

Surviving

Survival involves maintaining basic functioning but being stuck in automatic trauma responses such as:

* Fight
* Flight
* Freeze
* Collapse

These responses limit agency, narrow decision-making, and keep individuals in heightened or numbed states.

Thriving

Thriving becomes possible when individuals regain a sense of control and choice. This involves:

* Awareness of bodily sensations
* Recognizing nervous system patterns
* Learning tools that regulate emotional responses
* Developing the ability to respond rather than react

She noted that reclaiming agency is essential to moving out of trauma-driven reflexes and into a more empowered, grounded life.

Healing Without Retelling the Trauma

A significant concern for many trauma survivors is the fear of revisiting or verbally recounting painful memories. Dr. Gibson clarified that effective trauma therapy does not always require retelling the story.

She highlighted several modalities—including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Brainspotting, and certain forms of EMDR—that allow healing without verbal disclosure of traumatic events. These methods focus on the body’s stored reactions rather than narrative retelling.

Gibson explained that individuals who fear re-triggering or emotional overwhelm can still make significant progress by selecting therapeutic approaches designed to work with the nervous system directly.

Supporting Loved Ones Without Causing Harm

Dr. Gibson emphasized the importance of sensitive and informed support from friends, family, and caregivers. Key recommendations include:

* Paying attention to body language, tone, and emotional cues
* Avoiding dismissive language or forced conversations
* Respecting the individual’s boundaries
* Believing people when they describe experiences as traumatic
* Avoiding comparison between siblings or individuals who lived through the same event

She reiterated that trauma is subjective. Two people can experience the same situation, but only one may be traumatized. Support should be grounded in belief, validation, and calm co-regulation.

Daily Practices That Support Emotional Regulation

Drawing from her book and online teachings, Dr. Gibson discussed several simple, practical techniques that help individuals regulate their nervous system.

1. Extended Exhalation

Lengthening the exhale activates the parasympathetic (calming) system.
This can be achieved through humming, singing, or slow breathing exercises.

2. Sweeping Touch

Gently brushing the palms or the sides of the face can reduce activation in the brain and help the body return to a calmer state. This mimics the soothing responses humans share with animals and is especially useful for moments of overwhelm.

3. Somatic Approaches

Gibson highlighted the significance of body-based therapies. Because trauma lives in the bodily responses—not only in thoughts—somatic practices often serve as more effective entry points to healing than cognitive methods alone.

A Common Myth About Trauma

Dr. Gibson addressed the persistent misconception that individuals with trauma should be able to “snap out of it” or choose differently. She explained that trauma and mental health struggles are not matters of willpower, but physiological patterns rooted in the nervous system. No individual chooses trauma, just as no one chooses physical illnesses like hypertension.

She added that while healing is possible, it requires support, consistent practice, and safe environments—not pressure or blame.

She also offers workplace training on psychological safety, trauma-informed leadership, and mental wellbeing.

Conclusion

Dr. Christine Gibson’s insights reinforce a central truth: trauma may shape a person, but it does not have to define or confine them. With the right tools, supportive environments, and informed therapeutic care, individuals can move beyond survival and reclaim thriving, meaningful lives.