01/05/2026
Why this can be helpful is:
1. The Body Keeps the Score
The phrase “the body keeps the score”, popularized by psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, means that trauma is not simply a mental or emotional event, but a profound physical experience that leaves a lasting imprint on the body’s physiological systems..
While the conscious mind may know and understand that they are no longer in danger it does not “feel” that way.
2. You Can’t Talk Your Way Out of a Nervous System Response
In these moments when the body is keeping the score you can not talk yourself out of it. Your survival instinct have decided that the rational logical parts of your brain are not needed right now. I alway say “there are only so many resources to go around” and your nervous system wants you to survive so it reallocates resources.
That process works really well in an immediate danger situation but the body doesn’t always realize that your fear of failure, fear of gaining weight, or fear of small spaces is not actually dangerous. In fact, it only “feels” dangerous but the automatic process has already started.
So when a trigger happens, your nervous system responds faster than your conscious thoughts.
3. Creates Resilience, Not Just Relief
Integrated somatic work is about building resilience. It empowers you to have the tools to be able to stay in your present moment and be regulated even when difficult emotions or sensations arise, which ultimately deepens the therapeutic process and relationship.
