How to Heal Nervous System from Trauma
Trauma is stored in the body. This foundational truth has been the cornerstone of my journey, both as a somatic therapist and as someone who has experienced profound physical and emotional shifts. Years ago, I lost vision in my right eye—an event that transformed my life and deepened my connection to the wisdom of the body. This experience not only guided my personal healing but also enriched my professional practice, enabling me to help others heal their nervous systems from trauma.
If you're seeking to understand how to heal your nervous system from trauma or exploring how somatic practices can help, my story might resonate with you and offer a path forward.
My Personal Journey: Healing the Nervous System from Trauma
Losing vision in my right eye was a sudden and life-altering event. It wasn’t just the physical adjustment that was challenging; it also activated layers of trauma stored in my body. Fear, disorientation, and a sense of loss flooded my nervous system. I quickly realized that traditional approaches to healing wouldn’t be enough. I needed to tune into my body and allow it to guide my recovery.
This journey became an opportunity to heal—not just from the trauma of losing my sight, but from deeper patterns of tension, fear, and disconnection that had been stored in my body for years.
Key Practices to Heal Nervous System from Trauma
Healing from trauma requires more than intellectual understanding. It demands a holistic approach that includes the body, mind, and emotions. Here are the key practices that helped me regulate my nervous system and reconnect with my body:
1. Grounding and Centering Practices
When trauma activates the nervous system, it can leave you feeling untethered and disconnected. Grounding techniques—like mindful breathing, feeling my feet on the earth, and engaging my senses—helped me reestablish a sense of safety. By practicing these techniques daily, I taught my body that it was safe to exist in the present moment.
2. Movement and Somatic Awareness
Losing vision in one eye required me to adapt how I moved through the world. I began paying closer attention to subtle shifts in balance, posture, and movement. This heightened somatic awareness allowed me to release physical tension and stored trauma, reconnecting me to a deeper sense of embodiment.
3. Tuning Into Emotional Sensations
Trauma often leaves emotions trapped in the body. Instead of avoiding uncomfortable sensations, I learned to approach them with curiosity and compassion. Through practices like body scans and somatic meditation, I noticed where I was holding fear or grief and gave these emotions space to move and transform.
4. Creating a Somatic Container
Healing requires a sense of containment—a safe space where your nervous system can process and integrate trauma. I leaned on community support and worked with somatic therapists to create this container for myself. Their guidance allowed me to feel held and empowered as I navigated my journey.
Why Somatic Therapy Is Essential for Healing the Nervous System from Trauma
My personal experience has shown me that somatic therapy is one of the most effective tools for trauma healing. Here’s why:
Trauma Lives in the Body: Unlike talk therapy, somatic therapy works directly with the nervous system, helping you release trauma that’s stored on a physical level.
It Builds Resilience: By learning to regulate your nervous system, you develop the capacity to handle stress and emotional challenges with greater ease.
It’s Holistic: Somatic therapy addresses the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and emotions, offering a comprehensive path to healing.
How to Heal Nervous System from Trauma Online
Today, I guide clients through somatic therapy both in person and online. Thanks to the accessibility of online tools, more people than ever can access these transformative practices from the comfort of their own homes. Whether you’re dealing with physical bodily trauma, anxiety, or the effects of chronic stress, somatic therapy offers a powerful way to heal. You can learn more about what is somatic art therapy here.
If my journey resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Your body holds the key to resilience and transformation, and with the right tools and support, healing is possible.
Start Your Journey to Healing from Trauma
If you’re curious about somatic therapy or want to explore how to heal your nervous system from trauma, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we can create a safe and supportive space for your nervous system to heal and thrive.
Reach out today to learn more about how somatic therapy can help you heal and reconnect with your body.
