Trauma occurs when a person has been overwhelmed by a situation threatening their life or safety at a profound level. Afterwards it can feel as if the trauma is still occurring, even though the threat may be long past. Symptoms may include panic attacks, obsessive behaviors or thoughts, anxiety, phobias, sleep disturbances, hyper-vigilance and disassociation. It is necessary to change these automatic responses to regain a sense of empowerment and choice.