How Anxiety and Depression Are Linked to Trauma & Therapy That Heals

“Trauma is about a loss of connection—to ourselves, to our bodies, to our families, to the world around us.” – Peter Levine. When trauma lingers, it can pull us out of our bodies, leaving us feeling numb, anxious, or detached.

Anxiety and depression are among the most common reasons people seek therapy, and at Dynamic Counseling in Colorado Springs, we often see how these struggles are rooted in unprocessed trauma. Trauma doesn’t always look like a single catastrophic event. It can be the accumulation of smaller, ongoing stressors such as childhood neglect, critical caregivers, emotionally abusive relationships, or experiences of abandonment.

Peter Levine, the founder of Somatic Experiencing, describes trauma as “not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.” This means that even events that may seem minor from the outside can leave lasting scars if they overwhelm our nervous system and we are left to process them alone.

The Link Between Trauma, Anxiety, and Depression

When trauma isn’t fully resolved, the body remains on alert, prepared for danger that has already passed. This survival state can lead to:

• Anxiety: racing thoughts, panic attacks, hypervigilance, difficulty relaxing.

• Depression: emotional numbness, loss of motivation, feelings of hopelessness, disconnection from self and others.

Sometimes these symptoms alternate, leaving people exhausted and unsure of why their emotions feel so unpredictable. As Levine explains, “Trauma is a fact of life. But it doesn’t have to be a life sentence.” With the right therapeutic support, the nervous system can return to balance.

How Trauma Therapy Works

At our counseling practice in Colorado Springs, we use a trauma-informed approach that blends EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic methods inspired by Levine’s work.

• EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming anxiety or despair.

• IFS helps clients understand and heal the inner parts of themselves that carry pain, shame, or fear.

• Somatic therapy principles allow clients to reconnect with their bodies, safely release stored survival energy, and develop a sense of safety in the present.

These therapies don’t just reduce symptoms temporarily—they help people heal at the root level, restoring a sense of calm, safety, and connection.

Why Trauma-Informed Therapy is Different

While traditional talk therapy can bring relief, trauma-focused therapies recognize that healing isn’t only cognitive—it’s also emotional and physical. Trauma lives in the nervous system, not just in memory. By working with therapists trained in trauma care, clients can resolve the unfinished stress response that fuels both anxiety and depression.

Healing in Colorado Springs and Across Colorado

At Dynamic Counseling in Colorado Springs, we believe high-quality therapy means more than a listening ear. It means entering into your story with compassion, insight, and evidence-based tools for change. Our team provides counseling for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other trauma-related concerns both in-person and virtually across Colorado.

If you’ve been searching for the best counselors in Colorado Springs for trauma, EMDR, and holistic therapy, we would be honored to walk with you in your healing journey. Remember, trauma may shape you, but it does not define you. With the right care, recovery and relief are possible.

To find trauma therapists who take Medicaid in Colorado, text us at 719-644-6215.

👉 Contact Dynamic Counseling today to learn more about how trauma-focused counseling can help you reclaim the Self, the You before trauma.