Are you feeling constantly drained or tense, maybe even when you’re trying to relax? Your body might be keeping the score of unresolved stress or trauma. Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of the New York Times bestseller The Body Keeps the Score, we explore how stress and trauma can impact your mind and body—and what you can do to heal.
How Stress and Trauma Affect Your Body
Dr. van der Kolk’s research found that prolonged stress and suppressed emotions can lead to trauma, which manifests in both physical and emotional ways. Over time, these unresolved feelings can negatively impact your health, contributing to issues like chronic pain, fatigue, and emotional dysregulation.
By addressing suppressed emotions through mindfulness and therapeutic practices like yoga or counselling, you can begin to release these traumas from your body, restoring balance and well-being.
Signs Your Body is Holding Onto Stress
Your body may send signals when unresolved emotions or trauma are present. Here are some common signs:
Physical Symptoms: Chronic pain, muscle tension, digestive issues, fatigue, or insomnia.
Emotional Reactions: Mood swings, emotional numbness, excessive anxiety, or feeling easily overwhelmed.
Behavioral Patterns: Avoidance, substance use, hypervigilance, or difficulty building intimacy.
Relationship Struggles: Trust issues, communication problems, or feeling disconnected from loved ones.
Why Support Matters
Healing is not always a solo journey. Whether it’s through family, friends, support groups, or counselling, healthy attachments play a vital role in recovery. Counselling offers a safe space to process emotions, confront trauma, and prevent future physical health issues caused by unresolved stress.
Steps to Start Healing
If you recognize these signs in yourself, here’s how you can take action:
Seek Professional Help: Work with a trauma-informed counsellor who specializes in approaches like somatic experiencing to process and release stored trauma.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in meditation, deep breathing, or body scans to connect with your physical and emotional state.
Stay Active: Physical activity can help release tension and improve overall well-being.
Adopt Healthy Habits: Prioritize good sleep, balanced nutrition, and effective stress management techniques.
At Strength in Heart Counselling in Victoria, BC and Cowichan Valley, BC, we specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families heal from stress, anxiety, trauma, and more. Our holistic, client-centered approach will empower you to address both symptoms and root causes for lasting transformation.
Book a Session Today
Don’t let stress take control of your life. Take the first step toward healing by booking a counselling session with one of our experienced counsellors. We offer in-office and virtual sessions, with flexible payment options and a free 20-minute intake consultation.
📍 Two counselling office locations: 1183 Fort Street, Victoria, BC & 1400 Cowichan Bay Road, Cobble Hill, BC
💻 Virtual counselling also available throughout Canada
✨ Rates start at $70 per session, with sliding scale options
Click below to book your session to start your journey to a healthier, more balanced life.