When we experience a traumatic event, it’s like a shock to our nervous system. Even after the event has passed, the body retains an untold story of the experiences it has endured. The delicate balance of the nervous system is disrupted and, in the wake of trauma, discerning what is safe and what is not can become a difficult task. 

Trauma is stored deep within the recesses of our unconscious mind–the part responsible for regulating bodily functions, processing emotions, memory, and response to perceived threats. While the logical mind may reassure us of our safety, the body does not align. The unconscious focus becomes hyper fixated on survival, making it incredibly challenging to be fully present in our day-to-day lives. We may find ourselves trapped in a cycle of fight, flight, or freeze responses, unable to break free from the grip of our past experiences.

The effects of trauma extend far beyond our emotional well-being. It seeps into every aspect of our being, casting a shadow over our physical health, neurological functioning, and overall sense of well-being. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) manifest in a myriad of ways—muscle tension leading to chronic pain, a smaller window of tolerance for stress, dissociation, anxiety, brain fog, chest tightness, avoidance behaviors, and much more. Traditional psychotherapy often takes a top-down approach to addressing trauma. However, when our survival instincts are in overdrive, the cognitive part of our brain goes offline. It's like trying to reason with a force beyond our control.

This somatic modality is a bottom-up approach to processing and healing trauma. By shifting our focus from the mind to the body, Core Energetics taps into the very essence of where trauma resides. Through exploration of the mind-body connection and somatic techniques, we can gain a deeper understanding of how trauma is stored and expressed in the body. These techniques offer tangible tools for discharging stored traumatic energy and allowing the nervous system to recalibrate, completing its natural, survival-based cycle.

Addressing the physical symptoms of trauma and allowing the nervous system to begin to regulate promotes a greater sense of stability, laying the foundation for deeper healing. As we reclaim agency of the body, the cognitive aspects of trauma come into focus. With newfound clarity and resilience, we can reclaim a sense of safety, empowerment, and wholeness as we begin to integrate these experiences and move toward recovery.

In the end, processing and healing from trauma is not just about overcoming past experiences—it's about reclaiming our sense of self and safety. Core Energetics offers a comprehensive approach to trauma processing that encompasses both the psychological and physiological dimensions of healing. Our stories and experiences will always be a part of us, but they don’t have to define us.