What is Trauma?

When does a hard moment become trauma? Think of resilience like ice and a painful event like a heavy stone—when the stone hits thin ice, it shatters. In this episode, Kyle Lincoln, a counselor in Salem, Massachusetts, and Kellyn lay a clear, compassionate foundation for understanding trauma so you can feel ready for EMDR work. You’ll hear who this series is for (folks exploring EMDR or preparing in Phases 1–2), why the show follows a steady three-part rhythm, and how today’s focus sets up everything that comes next.

We explore how trauma forms (distress + helplessness), what breaks (the boundary between past and present, a felt sense of safety), and what often changes in the brain and body (a survival system stuck “on”). Then we unpack today’s essential concept—the Memory Network—linking triggers in the present to touchstone memories in the past. Finally, we preview a practical resourcing skill you can use anywhere: Diaphragmatic Breathing.

Takeaways and themes include: the “stone on ice” picture of vulnerability, how wounding memories can keep intruding into the present, why EMDR traces memory networks back to roots, and how reprocessing can loosen the grip of old beliefs and reactions.

If this helps, follow the show and share it with someone who’s getting ready for EMDR.