The Body Keeps the Score

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Companion Slides

Trauma lives in the body: chronic pain, tension, illness. The mind-body connection.

Key Concepts

  • Bessel van der Kolk: trauma is stored in the body, not just the mind
  • Chronic pain, tension, gastrointestinal issues as trauma signatures
  • The polyvagal theory: the vagus nerve as the body's surveillance system
  • Somatic experiencing: the body needs to complete the stress response
  • The mind can forget what the body remembers

Part of

Module 2: How Trauma Shows Up

Recognizing trauma responses in behavior, across ages, in the body, and through a cultural lens.

Up next

Helping the Body Let Go

Movement, breathing, and somatic practices that help release stored trauma.