Understanding Trauma Through The Body Keeps the Score: How Hypnotherapy and Counselling Can Help
At the Fareham Councelling Centre, we understand the profound impact trauma can have on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. One of the most influential books in understanding trauma, The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, sheds light on how trauma affects the body and mind and how healing is possible.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key concepts of the book, the latest UK and US data on trauma, and how our hypnotherapy and counselling services integrate these principles to support your healing journey.
What Is The Body Keeps the Score About?
Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, wrote The Body Keeps the Score to explain how trauma rewires the brain and body. The book highlights how unresolved trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, emotional distress, and behavioural patterns. It also emphasises the importance of holistic healing approaches that address both the mind and body.
Key insights from the book include:
Trauma is stored in the body, affecting the nervous system, immune response, and even brain structure.
Traditional "talk therapy" alone may not fully address trauma, as the body must also be included in the healing process.
Practices such as mindfulness, somatic therapies, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), and hypnotherapy can help release stored trauma.
Trauma in the UK and US: Key Statistics
In the UK
According to Mind UK, 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues annually, with trauma being a significant contributing factor.
A National Health Service (NHS) report found that 31% of adults in England have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
The Mental Health Foundation highlights that unresolved trauma significantly increases the risk of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
In the USA
The National Center for PTSD estimates that about 6% of the US population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with trauma exposure being much higher.
Research by the CDC suggests that 61% of adults in the US have experienced at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), which can lead to long-term mental health challenges.
A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that untreated trauma can increase the risk of chronic physical conditions, such as heart disease and autoimmune disorders.
Key Concepts from The Body Keeps the Score
1. Trauma and the Brain
Dr. van der Kolk explains how trauma affects three key brain regions:
The Amygdala: The brain's alarm system, which becomes overactive after trauma, leading to heightened fear and anxiety.
The Prefrontal Cortex: Responsible for rational thinking and decision-making, which can become underactive, making it difficult to manage emotions.
The Hippocampus: Plays a role in memory, and trauma can impair its ability to distinguish between past and present, causing flashbacks.
2. Trauma and the Body
Trauma is stored in the body, often manifesting as chronic pain, fatigue, or other unexplained physical symptoms. This is why somatic and body-based therapies are crucial for healing.
3. Healing Is Possible
The book highlights several approaches to healing, including:
Mindfulness and Yoga: To calm the nervous system and reconnect with the body.
EMDR Therapy: To process traumatic memories.
Hypnotherapy: To access and reframe subconscious beliefs tied to trauma.
How Hypnotherapy and Counselling Can Help
At the Fareham Counselling Centre, part of Olip Therapy, we integrate evidence-based practices which support trauma recovery, as discussed in The Body Keeps the Score.
1. Hypnotherapy to Release Trauma
Hypnotherapy works at the subconscious level, where many trauma responses are rooted. It can help:
Access and reframe traumatic memories.
Break patterns of fear, anxiety, or self-doubt.
Promote relaxation and reduce hypervigilance.
2. Counselling to Build Emotional Resilience
Trauma-focused counselling provides a safe space to:
Explore the impact of trauma on your life.
Develop coping strategies for triggers and emotional overwhelm.
Build healthier relationships and self-esteem.
3. Mind-Body Approaches
We incorporate techniques such as mindfulness and guided visualisation to help clients reconnect with their bodies and foster a sense of safety and calm.
4. EMDR Therapy to Process Traumatic Memories
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) uses structured techniques to help the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity and enabling healing.
Real-Life Impact: The Benefits of Healing Trauma
Healing trauma doesn’t just improve mental health - it transforms your entire life. Research shows:
Trauma recovery reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease (The Lancet Psychiatry, 2021).
Individuals who heal from trauma report greater emotional stability, improved relationships, and increased life satisfaction (Psychological Science, 2020).
Hypnotherapy has been found to reduce PTSD symptoms by up to 80% in clinical trials (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2022).
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Trauma may shape your past, but it doesn’t have to define your future. The Body Keeps the Score offers hope and evidence that healing is possible. At the Fareham Counselling Cenre, we provide compassionate, professional support tailored to your unique journey.
If you’re ready to release the weight of trauma and embrace a brighter future, contact us today to speak with one of our therapists and learn more about our hypnotherapy, counselling and EMDR services. Together, we can help you heal, grow, and thrive.
