The Flow of Consciousness in Trauma Therapy

We often think of ourselves as split into two—the ‘I’ that observes and the ‘me’ that is observed. This duality can trick us into believing that consciousness is something separate from the flow of life. But in truth, consciousness is motion itself, an ever-changing stream of experiences, sensations, thoughts, and feelings. It is not fixed, but fluid, like a river that never stands still.

Yet, for those who have experienced trauma, the past can feel like an anchor, keeping us tethered to moments of pain and distress. The mind craves stability, a solid sense of self that remains untouched by time and change. And so, a battle begins—a struggle between the mind’s desire for control and the inevitable reality of impermanence. This war is futile, an endless loop, like Ouroboros, the serpent that devours its own tail in a misguided attempt to sustain itself.

Trauma therapy helps us navigate this inner struggle by creating a safe space to explore our past, express our emotions, and integrate our experiences. Talking therapy allows us to step out of these cycles and make sense of our stories in a way that fosters healing. We do not have to remain stuck in old patterns—we can move with change, rather than resisting it.

A Client’s Journey: Finding Freedom in Change

One of my clients, Sarah*, came to therapy feeling completely overwhelmed by anxiety and a deep sense of being stuck. She had experienced significant childhood trauma that left her feeling as though she was constantly fighting against herself—trying to move forward but feeling held back by memories and emotions she couldn’t control. She described it as living in two different realities at once—the person she wanted to be and the past version of herself she couldn’t escape.

Through our work together, we explored the nature of change and how healing does not come from erasing the past but from integrating it. Using guided mindfulness exercises and reflective dialogue, Sarah began to see that she did not have to resist her emotions to heal. Instead of fighting them, she learned to acknowledge, accept, and move with them. Over time, she became more grounded, more present, and, most importantly, more compassionate toward herself.

Sarah’s transformation was not about “fixing” herself but about learning to embrace her wholeness—past, present, and future. She discovered that healing was not a destination but a continuous process of growth, one that allowed her to step into life with renewed clarity and self-trust.

We run in circles, believing that if we hold on tightly enough, we can escape change. But fixing, grasping, and resisting will never bring clarity. The only way to make sense of change is to move with it—to let go of the illusion of control and join the dance.

Trauma therapy offers a path to this freedom. By living life fully and working through our experiences in a supportive environment, we dissolve the illusion of separateness. When we surrender to the rhythm of change, we are no longer fighting against ourselves.

We are the river, the current, the ocean of experience unfolding moment by moment. We are not meant to be static. We are meant to flow.

(*Name changed for confidentiality)