Confronting Trauma: The PTSD Therapy Journey

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What happens when we bury our deepest trauma, only to have it resurface decades later? Linda Knipe's powerful story sheds light on the nature of PTSD and the healing journey that follows.

After surviving sexual assault in her twenties, Linda did what many survivors do – she locked away the experience, determined to move forward without acknowledging the wound. For nearly twenty years, this strategy seemed to work. Then, at age 40, while sitting in her first counselor education class, something unexpected happened. As her professor described a case similar to her own experience, Linda's carefully constructed defenses began to crumble. Physical sensations, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts flooded in as her body finally demanded she address what had been buried.

Linda explains this compartmentalization beautifully using the metaphor of a "junk closet" – that space where we hastily shove things we don't know what to do with when company's coming. "You never go back and clean that out because you didn't know what to do with the stuff to begin with," she shares. "Every time you need to clean up quickly, you throw something else in until eventually, there's so much that the door starts popping open."

Her journey through therapy wasn't linear – it rarely is with trauma. There were moments of resistance, depression, suicidal thoughts, and the persistent voice of shame telling her she should be handling this better. As someone who had always been the caretaker, admitting she needed help felt foreign and frightening. Yet through finding the right therapist and committing to the process, Linda discovered not just healing but transformation.

Today, Linda emphasizes the importance of shifting from resentment to gratitude, intentionally focusing on what brings joy rather than scanning for threats. She encourages those struggling to find the right therapist, even if it takes several attempts, and to continue therapy beyond just feeling better to complete the healing process.

If you're carrying trauma or know someone who is, this conversation offers both validation and hope. Take that first step – whether it's reaching out to a therapist, confiding in a trusted friend, or simply acknowledging what you've been carrying alone for too long.

You can find Linda and purchase her book HERE

You can start the search for a therapist on Psychology Today HERE

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