In this insightful discussion, Marion Moreland, a chronic pain navigator and clinical counselor, joins Jennifer Maher, a certified traumatologist, to explore the profound mind-body connection. They reveal how our bodies retain memories of trauma that our minds may have forgotten. The duo shares personal healing journeys, emphasizing the importance of body awareness and self-acceptance. They also discuss the impact of maternal experiences on future generations and the transformative power of touch in overcoming trauma, offering listeners a path to listen to their bodies for deeper self-discovery.
The podcast emphasizes that our bodies hold memories of trauma, encouraging listeners to connect bodily sensations with their emotional experiences.
Engagement in somatic therapy is vital for healing, highlighting the need for safety and trust in processing trauma-related discomfort.
Personal anecdotes illustrate how individual trauma shapes the healing journey, reinforcing the intricate link between emotional pain and physical symptoms.
Deep dives
Understanding Internal Family Systems (IFS) Engagement
Engaging with Internal Family Systems (IFS) involves a deep understanding of one’s parts, which often can be challenging for newcomers. The podcast emphasizes that individuals often feel uncertain about how to connect with their internal parts, particularly when they are out of balance with their physical sensations. It's highlighted that the journey begins exactly where the person currently is—whether they feel shame, doubt, or confusion about their experiences. By recognizing these feelings, individuals can start their IFS journey, validating their unique perspectives without the pressure of doing it 'correctly.'
The Body's Role in Healing
The discussion sheds light on how trauma can manifest in the body and underlines the importance of bodily awareness in the healing process. Insights from experts suggest that therapy isn’t just about fixing issues but being present with what is, allowing for small, meaningful steps to foster neural pathway growth. Techniques like somatic experiencing help individuals become more aware of how emotional states affect physical sensations, thereby facilitating deeper insight into their trauma. By recognizing that both the mind and body contribute to the healing journey, listeners are encouraged to embrace and explore their bodily sensations as part of their therapeutic process.
Navigating Personal Experiences with Trauma
Personal anecdotes shared in the episode highlight the individual experiences of trauma and the subsequent healing journeys, emphasizing the intricate relationship between trauma and physical conditions. One speaker recounts significant personal trauma, including chronic pain and the impact of a car accident, which ultimately led her to a path of somatic healing. Through practices like EMDR and insights from therapeutic literature, she discovered profound connections between her body's pain and unresolved trauma. This journey illustrates the way somatic therapies can lead to unexpected breakthroughs, linking emotional pain with physical symptoms in ways that challenge conventional perceptions of trauma.
The Importance of Safety in Somatic Work
The episode discusses the need for safety and trust when engaging in somatic work, especially regarding emotional vulnerabilities. Acknowledging discomfort is vital, and parts of individuals may resist certain exercises or feelings due to previous trauma. This notion highlights that trauma survivors may feel unsafe within their bodies, which can hinder their healing experiences. By gently cultivating a sense of safety, individuals can be more open to exploring their physical sensations and emotional responses, which is essential for effective somatic therapy.
Awareness and Compassion in the Healing Process
A key takeaway from the discussion underscores the significance of awareness and compassion in the healing journey. Participants express the importance of recognizing bodily sensations and emotions without judgment, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself. As individuals practice tuning into their emotions and bodily experiences, they begin to create space for genuine healing and integration. This compassionate approach fosters an environment where all parts of the self are welcomed, ultimately promoting growth and a more peaceful internal landscape.
“The body remembers what the mind forgets,” psychiatrist Jacob Levy Moreno tells us. And Bessel van der Kolk takes it a step further – the body not only remembers, but “the body keeps the score.” Our parts have so much to tell us about their experiences – our “forgotten,” unconscious experiences – and so often, our parts communicate with us through our bodies. Will we listen? Will you listen? In this episode, Marion Moreland, Jennifer Maher, and host Bridget Adams share with why and how our bodies remember what our minds forget, with examples from their lives. They stress the importance of a felt sense of safety. And they and offer you step-by-step guidance to help you to listen to your body in an experiential exercise if you’d like to listen to your body and hear what your parts want your innermost self to know about your experiences. For the full video experience with visuals, graphics, and for discussion in the comments section, check us out on our YouTube channel here: www.youtube.com/@InteriorIntegration4Catholics
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