What does it really take to heal trauma, chronic illness, and long-held patterns in the nervous system? In this episode, Selden sits down with Irene Lyon—a pioneer of pioneers in the field of somatic healing, trauma release, and nervous system regulation.

Irene shares her powerful journey from fitness and Feldenkrais into Somatic Experiencing, the influence of Peter Levine, and her own healing from chemical trauma and chronic inflammatory symptoms. Together, we explore the nuances of functional freeze, why so many people miss it, and how it silently drives autoimmune conditions, fatigue, and emotional disconnection.

We also dive into:

• How trauma is stored in the body and why humans don’t release it like animals in the wild
• The hidden role of functional freeze in burnout, people-pleasing, and chronic health conditions
• Why Feldenkrais and other somatic practices require a level of embodiment that many dysregulated systems can’t access (yet)
• Irene’s story of chemical trauma and how it shaped her approach to healing
• The creation of Smart Body, Smart Mind—a groundbreaking online resource for trauma healing and nervous system education
• How client resources and online learning empower deeper and more sustainable transformation

If you’ve ever wondered why symptoms linger despite your best efforts, or how to bridge the gap between emotional healing and physical health, this conversation will bring clarity, validation, and hope.

Smart Body Smart Mind: https://ea188.isrefer.com/go/SBSM/SB/