Do you ever feel like no matter what you try—therapy, mindfulness, or even self-help books—there’s still a part of you that feels stuck? Maybe you’ve worked through a lot of your trauma mentally, but it’s like your body or emotions haven’t caught up. You’re not alone.
Many of my clients come to me after years of traditional therapy, feeling frustrated that they still carry the weight of their past. They describe it like this:
“I’ve done the work, but I’m still stuck in old patterns.”
“I understand my trauma, but my body still feels tense all the time.”
“I’m constantly anxious or on edge, even though I know there’s no real threat.”
“I’ve been in therapy for years, but nothing seems to fully shift.”
These are the common pain points I hear from clients who’ve done a lot of mental work but are still struggling emotionally or physically. If you relate to any of these, it’s important to know that this isn’t your fault—and there’s a way forward that addresses both your mind and your body.
The Real Issue: Trauma Lives in Your Body, Not Just Your Mind
Many people get stuck because traditional talking therapy only addresses part of the equation. It helps you process trauma on an intellectual level, but trauma isn’t just stored in the mind—it lives in your body and nervous system. That’s why, even after years of talking, you can still feel anxious, tense, or overwhelmed.
Let me share some examples of how my clients found relief once they started working with me.
Clare’s Story: Letting Go of "Carrying the Weight of the World"
Clare came to me with constant neck and shoulder tension. She had processed her childhood trauma in therapy and understood why she felt the way she did, but her body still felt burdened. She often said, “I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.”
In our sessions, we used somatic work to address how her body was holding onto trauma. Together, we explored her language patterns and began to shift her internal story from “I’m carrying everything” to “I can let this go.” As we worked through breathwork and gentle movement, Clare’s physical tension started to release. Her shoulders became lighter, and for the first time in years, she felt free in her body.