The Healing Power of Trauma-Sensitive Movement: The Body as a Key to Recovery

By Esther van der Sande, trainer in trauma-sensitive yoga in the Benelux

Trauma is deeply embedded in our being – not only in our mind but also in our body. For many, trauma lingers for years as an invisible burden, leaving behind both physical and emotional scars. The body remembers what words often cannot express. While trauma is frequently approached from a mental perspective, research increasingly shows that the body plays a crucial role in how we experience and process trauma. Trauma-sensitive movement offers a unique approach that helps rebuild the connection with the body, creates safety, and offers a path to healing. This article explores the transformative power of this method and the pioneering work of experts like Bessel van der Kolk and David Emerson.

The Body and Trauma

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the leading experts in trauma research, has devoted his career to studying the profound impact of trauma on both the mind and body. In his acclaimed book The Body Keeps the Score, he describes how trauma settles in the body and remains there, even when we try to suppress it mentally. This can manifest as physical tension, dissociation, or a persistent sense of insecurity within one’s own body.

I recall a client’s story – a woman who remained in a state of hypervigilance after a severe accident. Even though her physical wounds had healed, she could not find peace. Every unexpected movement or loud noise would take her back to that moment of pure panic. She described feeling as though her body had betrayed her – she was no longer herself. As Van der Kolk explains, this is a clear example of how trauma holds the body hostage.

Van der Kolk emphasizes that talking about trauma alone is often insufficient to break the physical reactions triggered by trauma. It is vital to involve the body in the healing process. This is where trauma-sensitive movement comes into play.

Trauma-Sensitive Movement

David Emerson, a pioneer in trauma-sensitive movement, collaborated closely with Bessel van der Kolk to develop an approach specifically designed for people with a trauma background. This method is markedly different from traditional movement practices, which often focus on performance. In trauma-sensitive movement, the emphasis is on safety, choice, and slowly restoring the connection with the body.

Choice and Regained Control

For those who have experienced trauma, the sense of losing control can be overwhelming. Trauma-sensitive movement provides a space where they can gradually reclaim that control. There are no strict rules, no pressure to perform certain movements perfectly. Participants choose the movements that feel right for them and are encouraged to follow their own pace. This not only restores physical control but also strengthens a sense of autonomy.

Another client, a man who had struggled with complex PTSD for years after a traumatic childhood, described how he felt trapped in his own body. When he started trauma-sensitive movement, he was initially hesitant, but over time he began to feel more in control and at peace with his body.

No Physical Corrections

In many movement classes, physical corrections are commonly used to help participants adopt the correct posture. However, in trauma-sensitive approaches, physical contact is avoided, as it can feel unsafe for those with a trauma history. Participants are encouraged to explore their boundaries without being corrected or touched. It is not about perfect execution but about discovering and respecting one’s own body.

Breathing and Body Awareness

Another essential aspect of trauma-sensitive movement is the focus on breathing and body awareness. Instead of challenging postures, the emphasis is on gentle movements and developing an awareness of the body. Many participants describe this experience as calming and healing, as they can experience their body without fear or pressure.

A Safe Environment

The environment in which trauma-sensitive movement takes place plays a crucial role. The space must be inviting, without harsh lights or overwhelming noises that can overstimulate the senses. Creating a sense of safety is key to allowing participants to relax and open up to the process.

The Body as a Key to Healing

Bessel van der Kolk and David Emerson repeatedly emphasize that trauma disrupts not only the mind but also the body. The body remembers painful moments, even when we want to forget them mentally. Trauma-sensitive movement offers a way to gently repair the fractured relationship with the body. It gives people the opportunity to experience safety again, both physically and emotionally.

Many participants in trauma-sensitive movement programs report feeling connected to their body for the first time in years. A client once said: “For the first time in years, I feel that this body is mine. It’s like I’m slowly coming back to myself.” This simple yet profound shift marks the beginning of a healing journey.

The Scientific Basis

Research shows that movement offers significant benefits to the autonomic nervous system, which is often dysregulated in people with trauma. This system regulates essential functions such as heart rate and breathing. Trauma can push this system into a constant state of alertness, commonly referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response. Movement, with its focus on controlled breathing and gentle actions, helps regulate these responses and promotes a state of relaxation.

In a study led by Bessel van der Kolk, trauma-sensitive movement was shown to significantly reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This confirms what many practitioners have already experienced: the body can be a powerful tool in trauma recovery.

Community and Collective Healing

In addition to personal benefits, trauma-sensitive movement also fosters connection within communities. Practicing movement together in a safe environment creates a sense of support and security. This is crucial not only for individual recovery but also for building resilience within communities. Trauma-informed organizations, where empathy and safety are central, can benefit from the power of this approach to create a healthier and more resilient culture.

Healing Through the Body

Trauma-sensitive movement offers a hopeful path to recovery. The body, often the vessel of painful memories, can become a source of strength and healing through this approach. The work of Bessel van der Kolk and David Emerson reminds us that the body must not be overlooked in the healing process. Whether through personal practice or the creation of trauma-informed spaces, trauma-sensitive movement helps people reconnect with their bodies and rediscover a profound sense of safety.

Join our training sessions and experience the power of trauma-sensitive movement for yourself. Whether you’re looking for personal guidance or ways to create trauma-informed spaces within your organization, we offer tailored in-company program and individual online sessions. Using practical techniques like trauma-sensitive yoga and breathing exercises, designed to meet the unique needs of each participant, we help you reconnect with your body and rediscover a sense of safety. Contact Esther (esther@traumasensitiveyoganederland.com)  to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards healing and well-being.