When we talk about trauma, we often think about emotions and memories. But healing isn’t only about what we think or feel—it’s also about how our nervous system responds.
In our recent webinar, When Trauma Recovery Stalls: What’s Next?, Dr. Kelly Callahan and Dr. Sarah Dropman explored how understanding the nervous system can unlock new pathways for healing. They pose the question for clinicians, “am I supporting the client’s nervous system?”
Trauma Lives in the Body
Trauma isn’t just something that “happens in the past.” It can leave lasting imprints on the nervous system, shaping how the body responds to stress, relationships, and everyday challenges. To start the process of checking in with the nervous system, it can be helpful to reflect on what is happening in the “here and now.”
For example:
- Some people find themselves in a state of high activation, called hyperarousal. This could look like an elevated heart rate, feelings of anxiousness or panic, racing thoughts, or hyper-vigilance.
- Others fall into a state of low activation, hypoarousal. This could look like lethargy, numbness, depression, or brain fog.
- Many oscillate between the two.
These two states are the body’s survival strategies, designed to protect us when things feel overwhelming. They are integral parts of the Polyvagal Theory, a framework that allows us to better understand the functional responses of the nervous system.
The Window of Tolerance
Another important part of Polyvagal Theory is the window of tolerance, which
describes the “zone” between hyper- and hypoarousal where we feel balanced and engaged.
- Inside the window, we are at an optimal state of arousal. We can think clearly, manage emotions, and connect with others.
- Outside the window, we tip into hyperarousal or hypoarousal.
Therapy often focuses on helping clients expand their window of tolerance—so they can stay regulated as they work through trauma.
Supporting the Nervous System in Recovery
It’s valuable in trauma recovery to use techniques that recognize the body’s role in healing. The goal is to help clients regain flexibility and choice, bringing them back into the window of tolerance. Supporting regulation can take place in many different areas, and may include practices like the following.
- Somatic. Movement, orienting within the room, or completing a breathing exercise.
- Intellectual. Reading, writing, learning something new, or a different creative task.
- Relational. Visualization of a safe individual, a hug, or connection with an animal.
- Nature. Walking in the grass or looking and listening out the window.
- Spiritual. Prayer or yoga.
Moving Toward Healing
Understanding the nervous system is more than science—it’s hope. When clients understand their responses as functional survival strategies, shame begins to ease. From there, healing becomes possible, and trauma work can progress.