Finding My Way Forward: An Adlerian Journey Through Trauma and Healing

By Rebecca Kase, Owner, Trauma Therapist Institute

Rebecca Kase, LCSW, is a leading voice in trauma therapy, self-help, and business success. With over 18 years of experience, she blends neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and real-world business acumen to help individuals and entrepreneurs break through limits and thrive. As the founder of The Trauma Therapist Institute and the author of The Polyvagal Solution (coming May 2025), Rebecca is on a mission to demystify healing and success, proving that both are deeply intertwined. Whether training therapists, coaching high-performing professionals, or speaking on stages, Rebecca brings a no-nonsense, deeply informed approach to creating lasting change. Rebecca has been featured in Oprah Daily, Newsweek, Los Angeles Tribune, and more.

I always joke that when people first meet me, they see someone who’s friendly, maybe a bit goofy, and definitely passionate about trauma-informed care. What they don’t usually see are the layers of past trauma that shaped me.

Like so many others, I carried my pain quietly for years until I decided I wasn’t going to let it define me. This resolve led me into the field of social work, mental health, and eventually, into Adlerian thought, which has helped me see just how much belonging and community matter when rebuilding our lives after hardship.

Early days: Leaning into purpose

I started my career in high-stress environments — community mental health, crisis shelters, and nursing homes. Everywhere I turned, I met individuals with all kinds of traumatic histories. Their stories ranged from domestic abuse to long-term neglect, but the common thread was that they often felt alone in their pain. At the time, I was also quietly managing my own trauma, though I tried to hide it behind my smiles and quick jokes.

Adlerian psychology teaches that people find their stride when they feel connected, supported, and understood. Looking back, I realize my calling emerged because I wanted to help others feel less alone. In a sense, our collective belonging was healing for me, too. Working directly with people who reminded me of my own wounds sparked a deep commitment to find something that truly worked for trauma at its core.

That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) came in.

Discovering EMDR: Rewriting the past

I first learned about EMDR while observing how rapidly some of my clients responded to it. The way EMDR addresses memories on multiple levels — cognitive, emotional, and even somatic — felt like it tapped into the whole person. This holistic perspective fits perfectly with Adler’s notion that we’re unified beings — body, mind, and community.

Diving into trauma healing with EMDR and other integrative therapies forced me to take a deep look at myself. I had to change how I was living and caring for my mind and body if I wanted to transform into the best version of myself, and that took effort and a lot of change. Doing that self-healing work parallel to my clients was a humbling experience, but their moments of transformation and powerful breakthroughs helped keep me motivated along my own journey.

Once I let myself process those difficult memories, I found a level of inner peace I didn’t even know was possible. Almost overnight, I realized I wanted to become an EMDR consultant and trainer to share that life-changing process with other clinicians.

Bridging mind and body

Because I’m also a yoga instructor, I’ve always believed that healing goes beyond talk therapy. We store tension in our bodies — muscles, heartbeat, breath — especially after trauma. In my workshops, I remind folks to tune in to physical sensations, use breathwork, and practice gentle stretches that release long-held tension. This approach resonates strongly with Adler’s idea of holism: we’re not just minds walking around on autopilot. Our bodies reflect our emotional state, and our emotional state affects how we experience the world.

I’ve seen people break down barriers they didn’t even realize they had when they integrated mindfulness or yoga with trauma work. By reconnecting with our bodies, we move away from the isolation that trauma often creates. It’s such a powerful step toward feeling rejoined with ourselves and, in turn, reconnecting with others.

Building community and offering encouragement

In Adlerian psychology, community feeling and social interest are crucial for personal growth. Whether I’m training fellow clinicians or working with clients, I try to foster an environment that’s free of shame and full of curiosity. When we can be open about our struggles, we tap into a shared humanity that soothes the sting of isolation. To this day, I believe my own healing couldn’t have happened without the loving nudge of mentors, friends, and family who refused to let me feel alone.

I also keep a sense of humor in my trainings. Trauma is serious, yes, but laughter can be a fantastic way to break tension, encourage bonding, and simply remind us that hope is real. I often say, “We heal in connection,” which means not just with each other but also with our more playful, lighthearted selves.

From trauma to transformation

If there’s one core message I’d love to share with the Adlerian community and beyond, it’s this: trauma may leave scars, but those marks can become symbols of strength. My journey from someone silently wrestling with PTSD to a trainer who guides others through their own healing has taught me that we thrive when we are seen, supported, and gently encouraged.

Adler spoke of social interest and belonging as essential human drives. In my own life, I’ve found that sense of connection — both within myself and with those around me — to be the most powerful catalyst for growth.

I’m grateful every day for the opportunity to show that no matter how overwhelming trauma may feel, there is a path forward when we come together. And that’s a message I believe resonates in every circle, from therapy rooms to yoga studios to the heart of our communities.