What is trauma integration?

Trauma, like a physical injury, leaves its mark. While healing is possible, the idea of completely "getting over it" or the trauma fully disappearing is often unrealistic. Instead, the focus shifts to integration—acknowledging the trauma's presence without letting it define one's entire experience (Kraybill, 2019).

This integration involves cultivating self-compassion and developing coping resources. These tools help the trauma become a part of the individual's story but not the defining characteristic of their identity. Trauma often disrupts one's sense of self, creating both tangible and intangible challenges. These effects can be physical and readily apparent or emotional and unseen, often misunderstood by both the survivor and those around them. Understanding this new reality and recognizing that happiness and fulfillment are still possible is a crucial step towards integration and building a satisfying future.