From the early stages of my training, I have believed in the profound connection between the mind and the body. My journey into the world of therapy is rooted not only in understanding the cognitive processes but also in how trauma manifests in our physical beings. Personal experiences have underscored this belief for me.

There have been times in my life that I've experienced particularly traumatic events. I noticed that, even after talking about it extensively and rationalizing the situation, my body still held onto the memory. There were physical symptoms: the tightness in my chest, the anxiety that coursed through me in certain situations, and the general discomfort I felt in my own skin. It was as if my body had its own narrative, separate from my conscious understanding.

When I was introduced to somatic exercises during my professional training, it resonated with my own experiences. I found that by focusing on bodily sensations and physical movements, some of my clients were able to access and process trauma in ways that traditional talk therapy couldn't reach. The body, in its wisdom, often stores trauma and by engaging with it directly, we could unlock a new avenue for healing.

Many trauma survivors feel disconnected from their bodies, as if they're floating or as if their body doesn’t belong to them. Through somatic exercises, we're not just processing trauma; we're also reclaiming our bodies. The act of grounding oneself, feeling present in one's body, and recognizing bodily signals is a powerful tool in the healing journey.

Just as we cannot separate the mind from the body, we cannot separate trauma's impact on either. Somatic exercises provide a tangible way for clients to recognize, understand, and eventually integrate their experiences in a holistic manner.