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Trauma is an injury to the body or mind—not a disorder—and it can heal. Trauma can be physical, emotional, social, relational, generational, psychological, or even experienced secondhand. It develops when an event overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. This may happen suddenly, such as in an accident, or slowly over time, as with prolonged stress or isolation. Each person responds differently, but there are many common signs.

Emotional reactions may include sadness, anger, denial, fear, or shame. These feelings can lead to nightmares, difficulty sleeping, challenges in relationships, or emotional outbursts. Trauma often shows up physically as well, through nausea, dizziness, headaches, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, or digestive problems. In some cases, trauma contributes to conditions such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, dissociation, or substance misuse.

A Somatic Approach with BCST

Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy (BCST) is a trauma-informed method that works gently with the body’s natural healing processes. As trauma expert Peter Levine explains, the symptoms of trauma come not from the event itself but from the “frozen energy” left unresolved in the nervous system. When our instinctive fight, flight, or freeze responses do not complete, the body can stay stuck in survival mode. Life may lose its lightness or joy. BCST supports the release of these held patterns so the system can return to calm, balance, and harmony.

Understanding Dissociation and Overwhelm

When trauma is unprocessed, the body’s self-protection system may stay on high alert. Even safe situations can trigger intense fear or stress. To cope, many people disconnect from their bodies and numb their sensations. They may feel distant, unreal, or “outside” themselves. Others try to escape their discomfort through aggression, withdrawal, constant busyness, food, alcohol, or other behaviors. Yet the underlying pain remains until it can be safely addressed.

Trauma Resolution with BCST

BCST is a personalized process that honors each person’s experience. The work often begins with developing internal and external resources that create safety and allow calm in the nervous system. As clients build a stronger “felt sense”—the ability to notice and understand body sensations—they become more grounded and less reactive. With support, the body can begin to release the trauma stored within it. As mind and body reconnect, symptoms may ease, and a greater sense of balance can return. This approach allows healing to unfold naturally, gently, and without re-traumatization.