By: Karen Vernon [CBT Therapist/Owner] DeVernon Psychotherapy
Introduction
When we speak of trauma, our thoughts often drift to the psychological and emotional scars: anxiety, flashbacks, depression, or a sense of being perpetually on edge. Yet, a crucial, often overlooked aspect of trauma is its profound physical imprint. Many individuals experience chronic physical symptoms – unexplained aches, digestive issues, persistent fatigue, or a constant feeling of tension – without ever connecting them to past overwhelming experiences.
This article delves into the fascinating, yet sometimes unsettling, reality that the body truly does keep the score (Van Der Kolk, 2024), exploring the neuroscience behind this phenomenon and how a Trauma-Informed CBT approach can offer a path to release and healing.
The Silent Language of the Nervous System
Traumatic experiences are not merely “events” that happened; they are profound disruptions to our nervous system. When faced with a perceived threat (real or imagined), our primal “fight, flight, or freeze” response kicks in. Adrenaline and cortisol flood our systems, preparing us for survival. In a healthy response, once the threat passes, these systems calm down, and our bodies return to a state of equilibrium.
However, for many who experience trauma, particularly if it’s prolonged, overwhelming, or occurs early in life without adequate support, this natural completion of the stress cycle doesn’t happen. The nervous system can get “stuck” in a state of chronic activation (hyperarousal) or shutdown (hypoarousal). This can manifest as:
- Hypervigilance: A persistent feeling of being “on alert,” leading to muscle tension, difficulty relaxing, and being easily startled.
- Dissociation & Numbness: A feeling of detachment from one’s body or surroundings, often a protective mechanism from overwhelming sensation.
- Chronic Aches & Pains: Unexplained back pain, headaches, jaw tension, or fibromyalgia-like symptoms can be the body’s way of holding onto unresolved tension and frozen fight/flight energy.
- Digestive Issues: The gut-brain axis is highly sensitive to stress. Trauma can disrupt digestion, leading to IBS-like symptoms, nausea, or appetite changes.
- Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, nightmares, or night sweats are common as the nervous system struggles to regulate.
- Fatigue: Persistent exhaustion, even after rest, as the body’s resources are constantly diverted to maintaining a state of alarm or collapse.
The Neuroscience Behind the Bodily Impact
Research in neurobiology and trauma sheds light on these connections:
- Amygdala Hyperactivity: The brain’s “alarm bell,” the amygdala, becomes overly sensitive after trauma, triggering fight/flight responses even in safe situations.
- Hippocampal Changes: The hippocampus, responsible for memory processing and context, can be affected, leading to fragmented memories and difficulty distinguishing past threat from present safety. This can contribute to flashbacks, which are often experienced as physical sensations rather than just mental images.
- Dysregulated HPA Axis: The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, our central stress response system, can become dysregulated, leading to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and a weakened immune system, contributing to various physical ailments.
- Polyvagal Theory: This theory, gaining significant traction in trauma therapy, explains how our vagus nerve influences our states of arousal and connection. Trauma can impair the vagal nerve’s ability to regulate social engagement and safety, leading to physical and emotional withdrawal or hyper-reactivity.
Trauma-Informed CBT: A Path to Embodied Healing
At DeVernon Psychotherapy, our approach is rooted in Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TI-CBT). This isn’t just about “talking through” your experiences; it’s a holistic method that recognises the profound impact of trauma on the body.
TI-CBT provides a structured, yet flexible and gentle framework to:
- Establish Safety and Stabilisation: Before processing difficult memories, we focus on helping clients build internal and external resources to feel safe and regulated in their own bodies. This involves practical grounding techniques and emotional regulation skills.
- Understand the Mind-Body Connection: Psychoeducation is key. We help clients understand why their body is reacting in certain ways, normalising their physical symptoms as a valid response to overwhelm, rather than a sign of personal failing.
- Process Trauma Safely: Using evidence-based CBT techniques adapted for trauma, we guide clients in re-processing traumatic memories in a controlled, titrated manner. This helps the nervous system complete previously “thwarted” survival responses and integrate the experience more adaptively.
- Develop Somatic Awareness: Clients learn to gently tune into their bodily sensations without being overwhelmed, gradually increasing their tolerance for internal experiences and releasing stored tension.
- Build Resilience & Reclaim Agency: By developing new coping skills, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, and reconnecting with their body’s innate wisdom, clients can move from a state of survival to one of thriving.
Conclusion
The physical symptoms of trauma are real, valid, and treatable. They are not a life sentence, but rather signals from a nervous system seeking resolution. Understanding that healing must involve both the mind and the body is a powerful step towards recovery.
If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained physical symptoms alongside emotional distress, and suspect past experiences may be playing a role, please know that support is available.
At DeVernon Psychotherapy, we are committed to providing a safe and effective space for you to Heal Your Past, Empower Your Future.
Call to Action: Connect with us to learn more about our Trauma-Informed CBT services. Visit our website: DeVernon Psychotherapy Or send us a confidential message.
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