Have you ever noticed how the words we use can subtly keep us trapped in our experiences, even when we think we’ve moved on? We often use language like “I’m stuck,” “I’ll never be free of this,” or “This pain is part of who I am.” Without realizing it, these words can reinforce the idea that we are defined by our trauma.

Trauma isn’t just a mental or emotional burden—it lives in the body, and sometimes, the very words we use keep us hypnotized by it. Healing requires not only addressing the body and mind, but also breaking free from the language patterns that hold us back.

The Unseen Impact: Trauma and the Language of Being "Stuck"

Let me introduce you to Clare. She came to me after years of traditional therapy, believing she had “processed” her trauma. But she constantly said things like, “I’m still carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders,” and sure enough, she physically felt that weight in her body—her shoulders were always tight and tense. Clare’s language kept reinforcing the idea that she was stuck in her trauma, and because of that, her body hadn’t let go of it.

Once we began somatic work, combined with addressing her language, Clare’s story started to shift. Instead of saying, “I can’t let this go,” we worked on language that acknowledged her resilience. Her body responded to this new story, and the tension in her shoulders slowly released. She finally felt a sense of lightness—both mentally and physically.

The words we choose matter. They hypnotize us into believing that trauma defines us, that healing is out of reach, or that we’re “broken.” When we change our language and address how trauma is stored in the body, we open the door to real, lasting healing.