by Siera Heaton | Apr 25, 2023 | Trauma and Healing
The Power of Movement in Healing from Trauma
“[People] don’t get traumatized because they get hurt. They get traumatized because they’re left alone with the hurt.” This quote from trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté speaks to the heart of what trauma really is. It's not just the pain itself, but the isolation that often follows. When no one helps us process what happened, that emotional energy gets stuck in our nervous system, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and alone.
Our nervous system is the control center for our thoughts, emotions, and physical responses. It governs everything from emotional regulation to digestion, heart rate, and muscle movement. When trauma disrupts this system, it can lead to dysregulation—where our bodies constantly feel on edge, shut down, or reactive.
This dysregulation is what often keeps trauma survivors stuck in cycles of fear, anxiety, or self-doubt. They may ask themselves, "What’s wrong with me?" when in reality, their bodies are simply responding to unprocessed pain.
Thankfully, healing is possible. One powerful way to regulate the nervous system is through movement. Trauma gets stuck in the body, but mindful movement helps release it. Movement therapy—like yoga, stretching, walking, or dance—gives our bodies a way to process emotions physically, not just mentally.
The key is intentionality. It's not about forcing yourself to exercise. It's about moving with awareness and gentleness, listening to what your body needs. Current research shows that when we combine movement with mindfulness, our healing process becomes more effective and long-lasting.
As we learn to listen to our bodies, the healing deepens. We stop blaming ourselves. We begin to care for the parts of us that were once ignored. Instead of asking, "What’s wrong with me?" we start asking, "What do I need right now?"
When that shift happens, we are no longer alone with the hurt. We show up for ourselves in ways we never knew we could. We gain access to a deeper wisdom—one that was always inside of us.
If movement therapy feels like something that might support your healing, you're not alone. Whether it’s through gentle yoga, mindful walks, or stretching, there are ways to start reconnecting with your body and moving toward healing.
If you're curious about how movement can help, I offer a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether this approach is right for you. Reach out to me at siera@counselingstgeorge.com to learn more.
You deserve to feel whole again.
