Trauma Doesn’t Just Live in Your Memories, It Lives in Your Body

Explore how trauma affects both mind and body, and learn strategies to heal. Summit Counseling offers trauma-informed care in Matthews, NC.

Trauma can leave lasting imprints beyond the mind. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explains in The Body Keeps the Score, traumatic experiences can shape how our bodies respond to stress, affect emotional regulation, and influence physical health. At Summit Counseling, we provide trauma-informed therapy that addresses both psychological and somatic effects of trauma.

Why Understanding Trauma Matters

Trauma isn’t just about remembering a past event, it can manifest in chronic tension, pain, anxiety, or difficulty connecting with others. Recognizing the body’s response to trauma is a crucial step in healing.

How Trauma Shows Up in the Body:

• Muscle tension or chronic pain

• Digestive issues or headaches

• Hyper-vigilance or heightened startle response

• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares

• Emotional dysregulation, such as anger or fear

Healing Trauma Through the Body and Mind:

• Somatic therapy: Techniques focus on releasing physical tension and trauma stored in the body.

• Mindfulness and breath-work: Tools to calm the nervous system and regulate emotions.

• Talk therapy: Processing trauma in a safe, supportive space.

• Movement-based therapies: Yoga, dance, or gentle exercise can help integrate mind-body healing.

Finding Support and Resources

Summit Counseling offers trauma-informed care that addresses both mental and physical impacts of trauma. Our therapists work with clients to develop strategies for emotional regulation, body awareness, and long-term healing. Trauma doesn’t have to control your life. With the right support, you can rebuild a sense of safety, restore emotional balance, and reconnect with your body.

Contact Summit Counseling in Matthews, NC, for trauma-informed therapy today.