Trauma Recovery: Why We Must Treat the Whole Body

Have you ever noticed how society tends to separate the mind from the body when it comes to mental and physical health?

Western culture, overall, tends to view the mind and body as if they are two separate entities. However, the brain is part of the body. The two cannot be separated. And since trauma is stored in the body (i.e. Van der Kolk, 2014), integrating mind and body is essential to the recovery process. I frequently tell clients that we can’t think our way out of trauma. We must feel our way through it and allow it to move through our bodies.

Trauma recovery generally follows a three-phase model, with the first phase being stabilization (Herman, 1992). During this phase, much of the work involves learning how to induce a relaxed muscle state in the body. When our muscles are relaxed, our nervous system sends signals to the brain that we are safe and in the present moment (i.e. Van der Kolk, 2014; Perry & Winfrey, 2021). On the flip side, when we hold excess tension in our body, as we often do when there is a history of trauma, our body signals to the brain that we are not safe and must engage defense mechanisms. This is why we must learn ways to consistently relax the body before entering Phase Two of trauma recovery, where deeper processing occurs. When our body effectively signals safety to the brain, we can reprocess painful memories without becoming retraumatized by them. Working through both of these phases eventually leads into the third - Posttraumatic Growth - which focuses on shaping a life long-term that is full of resilience & sustainable peace.

Much of trauma recovery entails getting reconnected to the body in a way that feels safe while staying within our window of tolerance. This reconnection is especially vital for queer, trans, and gender-expansive individuals who have experienced (and continue to experience) relational trauma, dysphoria, misgendering, and/or violations of bodily autonomy. Living in a society that perpetuates heteronormativity and white supremacy can make the body feel fundamentally unsafe for marginalized people. The brain may engage in dissociation or disconnection from the body as a way to cope. Re-engaging with the body in a way that promotes somatic safety can be both a restorative experience and an act of reclamation.

There are many therapeutic modalities we incorporate at Grounded Wellbeing to support whole-body recovery. Arguably the most important involves working from an attachment-based lens and creating a safe therapeutic container in which healing can occur. In my personal work with clients, I also incorporate somatic tools, Brainspotting, and grounding/muscle relaxation techniques to support nervous system regulation.

In addition to therapy, I often encourage clients to explore other forms of body-based healing that resonate with them. This might include anything from acupuncture or massage to working with a trusted medical provider for chronic health conditions, which frequently co-occur with complex PTSD. The key to engaging in these other healing strategies is safety and trust with the provider, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and vet your providers until you find the right fit.

Healing from trauma involves more than understanding what happened. It involves helping our bodies know that the trauma is over. Engaging in whole-body recovery in trauma work can lead to lasting transformation. It can also feel incredibly vulnerable to engage in trauma work, which is why our clinicians at Grounded Wellbeing focus on building safety and rapport with clients first and foremost. You deserve to feel safe in your body, and we’d be honored to help you get there.

To learn more about Amber or schedule a consult, read her bio HERE.

References:

Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: The revolutionary new therapy for rapid and effective change. Sounds True.

Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.

Levine, P. A. (2010). In an unspoken voice: How the body releases trauma and restores goodness. North Atlantic Books.

Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton & Company.

Perry, B. D., & Winfrey, O. (2021). What happened to you? Conversations on trauma, resilience, and healing. Flatiron Books.

Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.