Betrayal trauma, whether from a romantic partner, friend, family member, or even a trusted institution, can leave deep scars on your soul. The emotional pain can feel overwhelming, and the physical symptoms can be just as debilitating. But there's hope for healing, and it starts with understanding the profound impact of betrayal on your nervous system and the importance of somatic work in your recovery journey.

The Betrayal Wound and the Dysregulated Nervous System

When we experience betrayal, our fight-or-flight response goes into overdrive. This surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline prepares us to either confront the threat or escape the situation. However, in the case of betrayal, the threat is often ongoing or ambiguous, leaving our nervous system stuck in a state of hypervigilance. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Depression and fatigue

• Hyperarousal and insomnia 

• Physical pain and tension

• Difficulty trusting others and forming healthy relationships

Somatic Work: Rewiring the Body's Response to Trauma

Somatic work is a body-based approach to healing that acknowledges the deep connection between our physical and emotional experiences. It helps us become more aware of the sensations and tensions held in our bodies – the physical echoes of our trauma. By gently exploring these sensations and releasing the trapped energy, we can begin to rewire our nervous system and move towards a calmer, more regulated state.

Here are some ways somatic work can help with healing betrayal trauma:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: By releasing the physical tension associated with trauma, somatic work can help calm the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic.

• Improves emotional regulation: By learning to identify and manage bodily sensations, you can gain greater control over your emotions and respond to triggers in a more grounded way.

• Promotes self-compassion: Somatic work encourages a gentle and accepting approach to your body and its experiences, fostering self-compassion and understanding.

• Strengthens boundaries: By becoming more aware of your body's signals, you can learn to set and enforce healthy boundaries in your relationships, reducing the risk of future betrayal.

Start your somatic journey to healing: Let's CONNECT

Remember, healing is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself and explore different somatic practices to find what works best for you.