13. Where Trauma Lives in the Body & Somatic Practices to Rebuild Safety

Written By Brittany Broderick

Did you know the bracing in your jaw, the stiffness in your neck, or even the heaviness in your hips could be from unprocessed trauma? In this episode, Britt explains the science and history of somatic psychology—how the body holds the story of what the mind can’t always name—and explores how each area of the body tells its own story. From the hips, legs, and joints that carry unfinished instinct; to the diaphragm and chest that guard our emotions; to the shoulders, neck, and jaw that brace to keep us safe—Britt helps you understand how these patterns are not failures, but intelligent adaptations. She then guides you through a gentle body-mapping and somatic touch practice to help the body thaw, reawaken, and return to safety at its own pace. Save this episode and come back to it whenever you need to offer yourself some gentle support.


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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction: Returning to the Wisdom of the Body

03:12 – The History & Science of Somatic Psychology

07:48 – The Nervous System’s Role in Holding Trauma

12:05 – Body Mapping: How to Listen to the Body’s Language

14:32 – Jaw & Neck: The Body’s First Line of Defense

18:45 – Diaphragm & Chest: Where the Body Holds Fear and Anticipation

22:58 – Belly & Abdomen: The Center of Holding and Containment

27:14 – Hips & Pelvis: Where the Body Goes Still

31:02 – Legs & Feet: Completing the Unfinished Story

35:46 – Signs of Safety Returning to the Body

39:28 – Closing Reflection: You Were Built to Withstand and to Heal

Brittany Broderick
Next

12. Q&A: Healing Chronic Pain, Emotional Regulation, Empowered Birth & Starting a Somatic Healing Career