Two Ways I’ve Seen Trauma Stored in the Body (and How EMDR Can Help)

If you've ever thought, “I should be over this by now,” or “Why does my body react this way even when I know I’m safe?” you’re not alone. As a counsellor, this is something I hear often. Trauma doesn’t just live in our memories, it lives in the body. Even after people have talked about it or tried to make sense of it, the nervous system may still be holding onto the effects of what happened.

Below are two common ways I’ve seen trauma show up in the body and how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help the nervous system process and release what it’s been holding.

 1) Physical Tension

This might look like:

• Tension patterns such as tight shoulders or jaw

• Stomach knots or digestive issues

• Collapsed posture (e.g., rounded shoulders, caved-in chest)

• Trembling or shaking (Schwartz, 2019)

This kind of chronic tension is often the body’s way of staying ready to protect, even when there’s no current threat. It’s part of the natural fight-flight-freeze-fawn response. When trauma especially relational trauma or ongoing stress happens, the nervous system can get stuck in a state of high alert or collapse (van der Kolk, 1994).

One person shared, “It’s like my body still thinks I’m in danger, even when my brain knows I’m not.” That’s the survival system doing exactly what it’s supposed to do….protect.

2) Body-Based Triggers That Don’t Seem to Make Sense

This could look like:

• A wave of anxiety or panic that comes out of nowhere

• Shutting down in conversations without knowing why

• A strong reaction to a tone of voice, smell, or even a facial expression

These might be emotional or sensory flashbacks when the body remembers something painful, even if the brain doesn’t have a clear narrative about it. As Dr. Arielle Schwartz puts it, “Trauma is stored in the body, but so is resilience. Your body remembers, but it can also learn to feel safe again” (Schwartz, 2017).

In sessions I might ask, “What does your body remember right now?” It’s not always about making perfect sense of it. Often, healing begins when the body is given a safe space to process what it couldn’t at the time.

 How EMDR Can Help Release Trauma

EMDR is one of the approaches I use to help people process trauma in a way that doesn’t require retelling every painful detail. Instead, we work with the body’s wisdom. Whether it’s chronic tension or sudden emotional reactions that don’t make sense, the body is often trying to tell a story. EMDR can help complete that story and bring some relief (Shapiro, 2014).

Here’s a brief overview of how it works:

• We identify a memory, emotion, or present-day trigger that still feels stuck

• I guide you through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound)

• The brain begins to reprocess the experience, and the body gets a chance to complete its response

A Grounding Practice

I often share grounding practices like this one to help shift your nervous system from “danger” mode back into the present.

Earth – Feel Your Feet

Place your feet flat on the ground. Press down. Wiggle your toes.

Notice the steadiness of the earth beneath you.

Air – Breathe to Center

Put one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Breathe in through your nose for a slow count of 3, letting your belly rise. Exhale through your mouth for a count of 5.

Notice the rhythm of your breath moving in and out.

Water – Swallow to Settle

Take a small sip of water and notice the sensations as you swallow. This simple act gently tells your nervous system, “I’m safe.”

Fire – Warm Your Body

Rub your hands together quickly to create heat. Gently place your warm hands on your arms or face.

Feel the fire your own body can create.

Want to Learn a Bit About Me?

As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the Panorama Wellness Group, I recognize the impact trauma can have on your body, mind, and emotional well-being. I offer EMDR therapy in Langley (both in-person and virtual). My approach is warm, non-judgmental, and grounded in deep respect for your story and nervous system.

If you're interested in learning more, please reach out through the Panorama Wellness Group. We can set up a free 15-minute video/phone consultation or a full session so you can see if we’re a good fit and explore your counselling goals.

To learn about me and the services I provide, please visit my bio here:  https://panoramawellness.ca/jodi-bridges

References

van der Kolk, B. A. (1994). The body keeps the score: Memory and the evolving psychobiology of posttraumatic stress. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 1(5), 253–265. https://doi.org/10.3109/10673229409017088

Schwartz, A. (2019, May). Somatic therapy in trauma treatment [Blog post]. Dr. Arielle Schwartz. https://drarielleschwartz.com/somatic-therapy-in-trauma-treatment-dr-arielle-schwartz/

Schwartz, A. (2017, April 10). Somatic psychology: Resilience, regulation, and post-traumatic growth [Blog post]. Dr. Arielle Schwartz. https://drarielleschwartz.com/somatic-psychology-blog/

Shapiro F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098