The Impact of Trauma on Physical Health
Introduction
Trauma is often thought of as a psychological issue, but its effects extend far beyond the mind. Unresolved trauma can impact your physical health, manifesting in symptoms such as chronic pain, digestive issues, or even cardiovascular problems. The connection between mental and physical health is powerful, and addressing trauma holistically can be crucial for true healing. At The Counseling Choice in Round Rock, TX, I, Cassia Helena, LCSW, work with individuals through EMDR therapy to help process trauma, bringing relief not only to the mind but also to the body.
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection
The mind and body are closely linked, with each influencing the other. Trauma can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to prolonged periods of heightened stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can strain bodily systems, contributing to physical health issues. Conditions like chronic pain, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and heart disease are common in those with unresolved trauma, highlighting the importance of treating trauma from a whole-person perspective (Van der Kolk, 2014). Recognizing these physical symptoms as part of the trauma response is the first step toward healing both the mind and body.
How EMDR Therapy Supports Physical and Mental Recovery
EMDR therapy offers a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery that addresses both psychological and physical symptoms. In EMDR sessions, clients focus on traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This process helps reprocess the trauma, reducing its emotional intensity and its physical symptoms. As traumatic memories are integrated, individuals often experience relief from physical symptoms associated with the trauma response, such as reduced pain and tension. EMDR can thus support a healthier balance in the body, promoting overall well-being (Shapiro, 2017).
The Physical Benefits of Trauma Recovery with EMDR
Healing from trauma can lead to noticeable improvements in physical health. Studies show that EMDR therapy can reduce stress-related physical symptoms, as the mind and body begin to relax and recover from the constant state of alertness caused by trauma. Clients often report improvements in sleep, reductions in chronic pain, and a greater sense of physical ease. By addressing the underlying trauma, EMDR helps release stored physical tension and promotes a healthier body-mind connection (Schauer et al., 2011). For many, this holistic recovery approach allows them to reclaim both mental and physical health.
Trauma and Physical Health Recovery in Round Rock, TX
For those in Round Rock and Austin looking for relief from the physical impacts of trauma, EMDR therapy offers a path to holistic healing. As a trauma-informed therapist, I’m here to support you in navigating both the mental and physical effects of trauma. Together, we can work toward alleviating your symptoms, fostering resilience, and helping you feel stronger in both body and mind.
Conclusion
Trauma doesn’t just reside in the mind—it can take a toll on the body as well. EMDR therapy provides a powerful approach to processing trauma, offering relief from both emotional and physical symptoms. If you’re ready to explore how EMDR can support your overall health, reach out to me, Cassia Helena, LCSW, at The Counseling Choice in Round Rock, TX. Let’s work together to reconnect your mind and body and begin your journey toward holistic healing.
Works Cited
Van der Kolk, Bessel A. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books, 2014.
Shapiro, Francine. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. 3rd ed., Guilford Press, 2017.
Schauer, Maggie, et al. Narrative Exposure Therapy: A Short-Term Intervention for Traumatic Stress Disorders. Hogrefe Publishing, 2011.