Krishna Vora Therapy

When we think about trauma, we often imagine something big or dramatic—a car crash, a natural disaster, or a violent incident. But trauma can also come from emotional neglect, chronic stress, unhealthy relationships, or even being constantly dismissed.

What matters most isn’t the event itself, but how your body and nervous system respond to it.

That’s where the 6 Trauma Responses come in. These are instinctive survival strategies your brain and body use to keep you safe—often without you even realizing it.

Understanding your trauma response is a powerful first step toward healing.

1. Fight

You try to take control of the situation—sometimes through anger, assertiveness, or a need to be “strong.”
Signs: Irritability, defensiveness, controlling behavior, perfectionism, or quick temper.
At its core: A desire to feel powerful in a situation that once felt powerless.

2. Flight

You try to escape discomfort by staying busy, avoiding, or leaving emotionally or physically.
Signs: Anxiety, overworking, difficulty relaxing, or a constant need to “do more.”
At its core: A drive to stay safe by staying one step ahead of danger or pain.

3. Freeze

You shut down, disconnect, or go numb. This is the nervous system hitting the brakes.
Signs: Feeling stuck, spaced out, unmotivated, or emotionally detached.
At its core: A survival instinct to go still and avoid detection or further harm.

4. Fawn

You become overly accommodating to avoid conflict or rejection.
Signs: People-pleasing, difficulty saying no, suppressing your needs to make others happy.
At its core: Seeking safety through approval and connection.

5. Fine

You convince yourself and others that everything’s okay—even when it’s not.
Signs: Smiling through pain, minimizing struggles, pretending you’re not affected.
At its core: A way to protect yourself by staying invisible or avoiding emotional vulnerability.

6. Faint

Your body may literally begin to shut down under intense stress or fear.
Signs: Dissociation, lightheadedness, feeling out of body, fatigue, or collapse.
At its core: The body’s emergency shutdown mode when it believes escape is impossible.

These Are Not Flaws—They Are Survival Skills

If you recognize yourself in one (or more) of these responses, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It means your nervous system did its best to protect you—even if those patterns no longer serve you today.

Healing begins when we stop judging these responses and start getting curious about them.

Trauma-Informed Therapy Can Help

In therapy, we work together to understand your nervous system, gently shift out of survival mode, and build new ways of relating to yourself and others. My practice offers a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can safely begin that journey.

You don’t have to keep coping—you deserve to start healing.

Ready to take the next step?

If you are in Ontario, book a free 15 minute virtual consultation. You can use the contact page or write to me at krishnavoratherapy@gmail.com.