The Body Remembers Trauma: Somatic EMDR Therapy Can Help!
When people think of trauma, they often picture painful memories stored in the mind from distressing events, such as accidents or war. But trauma isn’t only psychological; it’s stored in the body, mind, and heart. The body can hold onto traumatic experiences long after the events have passed, and even when we don’t have words to describe them.
As a therapist, I often hear people describe the difference between “logically knowing” and “feeling,” saying, “I know I’m safe now, but my body still reacts like I’m not.” This is a key sign of unresolved trauma stored in the nervous system and in the body.
Fortunately, we have tools to help us process trauma and reduce its overwhelming effects. Not in a way that everything will be great and you’ll forget what happened, but in a way that you can remember what happened without triggering a distressing, unwanted response.
One of the most effective treatments for releasing these unwanted responses is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy. This trauma-focused approach helps the brain process memories effectively and integrate the stressful experiences. It taps into the body’s natural healing capacity.
A Somatic approach to EMDR emphasizes what’s occurring in the body, beyond just the words. It provides information about the nervous system activations that might be outside the person’s awareness. When combining EMDR with somatic approaches, we promote sustained awareness and help the nervous system understand what’s occurring on a deeper level.
Why the Body Stores Trauma: A Nervous System Perspective
When a traumatic event happens, the nervous system switches into survival mode. The amygdala triggers an alarm, activating the fight-or-flight response, and stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol flood the body.
If trauma is intense or recurring, the brain may struggle to process the experience fully. Instead, fragments of the event become “stuck” in the body.
This can show up as:
Hypervigilance and startle responses
Muscle tension, pain, or chronic fatigue
Irritability, frustration, or anger
Racing heart or difficulty breathing
Digestive issues
Emotional numbness or shutdown
These reactions aren’t intentional—they’re protective.
Implicit Memory: How Trauma Lives in the Body
Trauma is not always stored as a narrative memory. Instead, the body may retain:
Sensory input (images, sounds, smells, taste)
Thoughts
Emotional states
Beliefs
Body sensations
For example, someone might feel panic when touched or freeze in the face of conflict, even if they can’t remember a specific event. These are implicit trauma memories—precisely the kind of patterns Somatic EMDR therapy is designed to target and release.
How Trauma Stored in the Body Impacts Daily Life
Unprocessed trauma can affect various aspects of functioning, including:
Relationships: You might feel reactive, avoidant, or overly accommodating because your nervous system is on alert.
Work and Focus: A chronically activated nervous system makes concentration difficult.
Physical Health: Migraines, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, and sleep problems are all common.
Emotional Well-Being: Anxiety, irritability, overwhelm, or emotional numbness often stem from the body carrying unresolved stress.
These symptoms are not signs of weakness. They indicate that the body is still trying to protect you.
How EMDR Therapy Helps the Body Release Trauma
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so the body can finally release the physiological stress linked to them. When combined with somatic therapy, it strongly focuses on bodily experiences to foster integration.
During EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or tones) helps:
Reconnect the thinking brain with the emotional brain
Reduce the intensity of traumatic memories
Shift the body out of survival mode
Create new, adaptive responses
This process helps previously “stuck” memories to soften, lose their emotional charge, and integrate in a healthier way.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy for Body-Stored Trauma
Decreased anxiety and hyperarousal
Reduced physical tension
Fewer trauma triggers
More emotional regulation
Better sleep and mood
Greater sense of safety in the body
Improve nervous system regulation
EMDR doesn’t require retelling every detail of the trauma, making it a gentle yet effective approach for many people. At Blue Mist Psychotherapy, EMDR is often combined with somatic practices such as grounding techniques, awareness of physical sensations, and nervous system regulation skills. Working with both the mind and body helps trauma heal more fully.
Recovering From Trauma is Possible!
Your body has done everything it could to protect you. With trauma-focused care and evidence-based therapies like EMDR, it’s possible to teach your nervous system that the danger is over—and to experience calm, connection, and safety again.
If you’re curious about whether Somatic EMDR therapy is right for you, Blue Mist Psychotherapy is here to support your journey.
We look forward to connecting!
With hope,
Julissa
The following content is intended solely for learning and educational purposes. It is not meant to replace the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider(s). We recommend talking to your healthcare provider about any decisions regarding treatment or care. The mention of any product, service, or therapy does not imply endorsement by Blue Mist Psychotherapy PLLC.
