Beyond the Mind: Understanding the Role of the Body in Trauma Recovery

Trauma is an invisible wound that affects not just our minds but also our bodies. In his groundbreaking book, "The Body Keeps the Score," Dr. Bessel van der Kolk provides a compelling insight into how trauma reshapes our brain and body.

Understanding this connection is crucial for anyone on the journey of healing. This article explores the profound impact of trauma on the body and the powerful role of body-centred therapies in the healing process.

The Trauma and Body Connection

How Trauma Affects Our Bodies

Trauma leaves a deep mark, affecting us in ways we might not even realise. It's not just about feeling scared or sad; it changes how our brain works, which, in turn, changes how our body feels and reacts (National Center for PTSD; BrainLine; The National Institute of Mental Health).

People who have experienced trauma might find themselves feeling confused, scared, or even detached from reality as if they are watching their life like a movie (National Center for PTSD; The International Society for Traumatic Stress Disorders; The American Psychological Association).

To heal from trauma, it's important to reconnect with our bodies. This means understanding and expressing our feelings and experiences, which can be tough when trauma disrupts the connection between our mind and body. Healing involves rebuilding this bridge, helping us move from feeling lost and disconnected to finding our sense of self again.

Feeling Disconnected Inside

Trauma can make us feel like strangers in our own bodies. We might lose touch with what we're feeling or find it hard to feel anything at all. This disconnection is a sign that the links between our mind and body have been damaged.

Healing from trauma involves repairing these links so we can start feeling like ourselves again (The International Society for Traumatic Stress Disorders; The American Psychological Association; The National Center for PTSD).

Restoring the Body to Heal

Why Our Bodies Matter in Healing Trauma

Healing from trauma isn't just about talking about our experiences; it's also about reconnecting with our bodies. Therapies like sensorimotor psychotherapy and somatic experiencing focus on the physical sensations in the body to process trauma.

These therapies encourage us to tune into our body's responses to trauma, helping us to uncover and address the physical aspects of our traumatic experiences.

Seeing Trauma in Our Bodies

Our bodies can tell stories of trauma that words can't always express. The physical signs of trauma, like a tense posture or a distant look, can be clear indicators of inner turmoil.

Befriending the Body for Recovery

Learning to Listen to Our Bodies

To heal from trauma, we need to start paying attention to our bodies again. Dr. van der Kolk explains that our bodies react to our emotions – fear makes us feel constantly on alert, and anger keeps our bodies in a state of tension.

People who have been hurt, especially children, often live in bodies that are always tense and defensive. By becoming aware of these sensations, we can start to understand and heal from our past traumas.

Different Ways to Heal

There are several ways to heal from trauma. Talking and connecting with others can help us process our experiences. Medications and other treatments can help our brains deal with traumatic memories more effectively.

Helping our bodies feel safe and calm can be a powerful healing method. Activities that make our bodies feel safe, like specific exercises and mindful movements, can help us overcome the feelings of fear and anger that come with trauma.

Bottom-Up Therapy in Practice

Changing How We Feel Through Our Bodies

Bottom-up therapy focuses on changing our body's response to trauma. At the Trauma Center, therapists help patients become aware of their physical reactions, like their heartbeat and breathing.

Simple techniques like tapping certain points on the body, engaging in rhythmic activities, or mindful movement can make a big difference.

These activities help patients feel more connected to the present moment and less overwhelmed by their traumatic experiences.

The Other Side of Trauma: Numbing

Any people who have experienced trauma go through a phase of feeling numb and disconnected from life. This is especially true for children who have been through traumatic events. Helping them feel present and engaged again is crucial for their recovery.

Activities that encourage a sense of safety and connection can be particularly beneficial in overcoming this sense of numbness.

Conclusion

Understanding the role of the body in trauma and recovery opens new pathways for healing. "The Body Keeps the Score" sheds light on the importance of addressing both the mental and physical impacts of trauma. By reconnecting with our bodies, we can start the journey towards healing and reclaiming our lives. Remember, the path to recovery is not just in the mind but also in the body, and it's a journey of rediscovery and reconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does trauma affect the body?

Trauma affects the body by altering brain function, leading to physical symptoms like tense muscles and headaches. Understanding these effects is crucial for holistic healing.

What are the physical signs of trauma?

Physical signs of trauma include tense posture, rapid heartbeat, and shallow breathing. These signs reflect internal distress and are essential to address in therapy.

Why is it important to address the physical aspects of trauma in therapy?

Addressing physical aspects in therapy is vital as trauma is stored in both the mind and body. Therapies focusing on bodily sensations aid in releasing stored trauma for holistic healing.

What role do body-centered therapies play in trauma recovery?

Body-centered therapies like sensorimotor psychotherapy focus on bodily sensations to process trauma, helping individuals reconnect with their bodies for healing.

How can individuals reconnect with their bodies after experiencing trauma?

Reconnecting with the body post-trauma involves practices like mindfulness and yoga, fostering awareness of bodily sensations and emotional regulation.

What are practical techniques for regulating the body's trauma response?

Practical techniques include grounding exercises and progressive muscle relaxation, promoting calmness and centeredness.

Can trauma cause long-term physical health problems?

Yes, trauma can contribute to chronic health issues like chronic pain and cardiovascular problems. Addressing trauma early can mitigate these effects.

How does trauma affect children differently from adults?

Children may exhibit physical symptoms like stomachaches due to trauma. Trauma can also disrupt their development, leading to behaviour issues.

What are ways to help children overcome trauma-related numbness?

Creating a supportive environment and providing trauma-informed therapy can help children overcome numbness and heal.

How can individuals support their trauma recovery through physical activities?

Engaging in exercise and yoga promotes relaxation and body awareness, empowering individuals in their recovery journey.

References
National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov

BrainLine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.brainline.org/ The National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Disorders. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://istss.org/home

The American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/division/div56

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/

The Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://traumahealing.org/

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Home The Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cmbm.org/

The Trauma Center at the Justice Resource Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jri.org/

The National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pediatric

Verywell Mind. (n.d.). What Is Somatic Experiencing? Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-somatic-experiencing-5204186

PsycNET. (n.d.). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2020-47582-004