The body has its way of remembering trauma from "summary" of Body Remembers Casebook by Babette Rothschild
In the day-to-day practice of trauma therapy, the body often reveals more than the client's words. Despite the client's attempts to avoid or deny the trauma, the body has a way of remembering. This remembering is not always conscious; it can manifest in physical symptoms, emotional reactions, or behavioral patterns. Even when the mind has repressed or dissociated from the traumatic event, the body retains the memories.
The body's memory of trauma can be triggered by various cues, such as certain smells, sounds, or sensations. These triggers can cause the individual to re-experience the traumatic event as if it were happening in the present moment. This reactivation of the trauma can be overwhelming and distressing for the client, leading to symptoms such as panic attacks, flashbacks, or dissociation.
As a trauma therapist, it is essential to understand and work with the body's memory of trauma. By attuning to the client's bodily sensations, movements, and expressions, the therapist can help the client process and integrate the traumatic memories. This somatic approach allows the client to access and release the stored trauma in a safe and controlled manner.
The body's memory of trauma is not just limited to the physical sensations; it also includes emotional and cognitive aspects. The emotional residue of the trauma can linger in the body, causing the client to feel stuck in a state of fear, shame, or helplessness. The cognitive distortions related to the trauma can further perpetuate the client's suffering, leading to negative self-beliefs and maladaptive behaviors.
By exploring the body's memory of trauma, the therapist can help the client make sense of their experiences and develop new ways of coping and relating to themselves and others. This process of somatic reprocessing allows the client to move beyond the trauma and reclaim a sense of safety, empowerment, and resilience. Through the body's remembering, healing becomes possible.
