Overcorrection in Trauma: Understanding the Patterns
Sometimes, the ways we protect ourselves after traumatic or painful events can become the very things that hold us back. At Trauma Care Psychology, we often see how the nervous system adapts after painful experiences — working hard to keep us safe, even long after the danger has passed.
One of those adaptations is what we call overcorrection.
What Is Overcorrection?
Overcorrection occurs when we respond to past trauma by swinging to the opposite extreme of how we used to think, feel, or behave. It’s an unconscious attempt to stay safe and to make sure we never re-experience the same pain.
For example:
Someone who felt powerless as a child may become overly controlling or rigid as an adult.
A person who was discouraged from expressing emotion might now avoid vulnerability entirely.
Someone who felt physically restricted or silenced may overcorrect through risk-taking or a constant need for freedom.
A person who once felt unsafe trusting others may overcorrect by refusing help or advice altogether.
These patterns are rooted in self-protection, not weakness. They often emerge in people healing from complex trauma, childhood abuse, or long-term emotional neglect. But when these patterns become rigid, they can create new challenges in relationships, work, and emotional life.
Signs You Might Be Overcorrecting
Feeling like you’re “too much” or “never enough” in certain areas of life.
Automatically doing the opposite of what once caused pain, even when that reaction no longer fits your present reality (i.e., in safe environments).
Feeling inner tension or guilt despite appearing “in control” or “successful.”
If these signs feel familiar, know that your system is trying to help you survive. But what once kept you safe may now be keeping you stuck.
A Moment to Reflect
Take a gentle pause and ask yourself:
Am I reacting to past experiences in ways that feel automatic?
Do these patterns help me feel grounded, or do they keep me in survival mode?
Are the ways I protect myself becoming too rigid or extreme?
Recognizing overcorrection is about awareness and responding intentionally to situations rather than automatically. Awareness allows us to bring more balance into how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world.
Healing the Pattern
Healing overcorrection involves learning that safety can exist without extremes. In trauma-informed therapy, you can explore these protective parts of yourself with compassion, understanding where they came from, and how to gently soften them.
At Trauma Care Psychology, we specialize in PTSD treatment, complex trauma therapy, and trauma-focused care for individuals and couples. Our team uses evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, somatic therapies, and emotion-focused techniques to help you move from survival to safety.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If this resonates with you, we invite you to book a free consultation to see if our trauma-informed approach feels like the right fit.
By: Dr. Arela Agako, C.Psych.
Founder | Clinic Director | Psychologist
