Trauma and the Body

The Trauma & the Body course, presented by Alison Leslie, LCSW, explores the profound connection between trauma and the physical body. The course begins by explaining that trauma is not just the event itself, but rather how the body responds to overwhelming experiences. Trauma can manifest as a disruption in the body’s ability to process and release stress, leading to a range of physical and psychological consequences. The course emphasizes that these responses are deeply embedded in the body’s physiology, often resulting in chronic health issues and dysregulation of the nervous system.

A significant portion of the course is dedicated to the concept of the threat response cycle, detailing how the body’s survival mechanisms—fight, flight, freeze, and collapse—are activated during traumatic events. These responses are not just psychological but are rooted in the body’s autonomic nervous system, which can become stuck in a state of hypervigilance or shutdown if the trauma is not resolved. The course also covers the importance of memory in trauma, distinguishing between explicit (conscious) and implicit (unconscious) memories, and how unprocessed traumatic memories can continue to affect the body and mind long after the event has passed.

The course further explores the impact of trauma on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a central part of the body’s stress response system. Chronic activation of the HPA axis can lead to an array of health problems, including inflammation, insulin resistance, and memory issues. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding these physiological processes to effectively address the long-term effects of trauma on the body.

Finally, the course discusses strategies for healing from trauma, focusing on the importance of creating supportive environments that allow for co-regulation and the development of new, adaptive behaviors. It highlights the potential for change and recovery, noting that with the right therapeutic approaches, the body’s set points can be recalibrated, leading to improved physical and emotional health. The course provides therapists with practical tools and insights to help clients heal from the deep-seated effects of trauma, offering a holistic approach that integrates mind and body.