Trauma, the Nervous System & Relational Trauma Therapy

Guest: Kolbjørn Vardal

Trauma is much more than a distressing event from the past. It can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, shape our relationships, influence our sense of safety, and affect our body, emotions, and behavior.

In this episode, I speak with Norwegian trauma therapist Kolbjørn Vardal about modern trauma therapy, the neurobiology of trauma, and the principles of Relational Trauma Therapy.

We discuss how trauma develops, why it is not the event itself but the individual’s experience and processing of it that matters, and how relationships play a central role in healing and recovery.

In this episode, we discuss:

🧠 What trauma means from a neurobiological perspective

🧠 The role of safety, attachment, and co-regulation

🧠 Developmental trauma and relational trauma

🧠 How trauma affects the body and nervous system

🧠 Hypervigilance, dissociation, and protective survival responses

🧠 Why many symptoms were originally adaptive survival strategies

🧠 The importance of relationships in trauma therapy

🧠 The principles and practical application of Relational Trauma Therapy

🧠 Trauma, chronic stress, and physical health complaints

🧠 Pathways toward self-regulation, resilience, and recovery

Why this topic matters

Trauma affects far more people than many realize. Its consequences often extend beyond psychological symptoms and can manifest as chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties in relationships.

A deeper understanding of the connection between trauma, the brain, and the nervous system can help clinicians, patients, and families better understand symptoms and discover new pathways toward healing.

Kolbjørn Vardal combines modern insights from neurobiology, attachment theory, and trauma therapy with years of clinical experience, offering a profound perspective on the role of safe relationships in creating lasting change.

Learn more about Kolbjørn Vardal

Website:
https://www.relationaltraumatherapy.com

LinkedIn:
Kolbjørn Vardal

💡 Podcast Partner

Gottfried Gutmann Academy

📧 Contact

Ferdinand Hardinghaus – Physiotherapist, MSc Physiotherapy (cand.)

Instagram:
@the.brainhealth.physio

Podcast:
Physio.Podcast

Meditations and resources for nervous system regulation, sleep, pain management, and brain health:
the.brainhealth.physio

Dr. Fabian Moll – Physiotherapist, OMPT, Neuroathletics Practitioner

Instagram:
@physio.consult

Website:
www.fabianmoll.de