The Healing Power of Movement in Trauma Therapy

When we think about healing from trauma, many people imagine talking about painful memories or understanding the past. While this is part of the process, it’s not the whole picture. Trauma doesn’t just live in the mind—it lives in the body, too.

The physical effects of trauma can manifest in tension, discomfort, or even chronic pain, making it essential to address not only the mental and emotional aspects of healing but also the body’s response. That’s why movement and somatic awareness can play a vital role in trauma therapy. By reconnecting with the body through mindful movement, breath-work, and awareness, we can release stored trauma and foster a deeper, more holistic healing experience.

The body holds onto experiences, both positive and negative, and these can show up in ways we might not fully understand. This is why somatic practices, such as gentle stretching, body scanning, or even focused breathing, allow us to check in with ourselves, acknowledging and releasing what has been held within. Mindful movement and somatic experiencing can create a space for the body to heal alongside the mind, allowing for a more complete sense of recovery. When we allow ourselves to be fully present with both our emotional and physical sensations, we open the door to a more profound and lasting healing journey.

Why Movement Matters

Trauma is not just an event that happened in the past; it’s something that can leave lasting imprints in the body. Our muscles, posture, breath, and even how we walk can carry traces of what we've been through. Movement—whether that’s walking, stretching, dancing, or other embodied practices—can help release stored tension, reconnect us with ourselves, and promote healing.

As Peter Levine writes in Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, “The body is designed to process and release trauma naturally, but when this process is interrupted, the trauma becomes stuck.” Movement helps to gently restart this natural release mechanism, allowing people to feel more grounded, regulated, and in touch with themselves.

Scientific evidence supports the importance of somatic therapies. A randomised controlled study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress found that Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented trauma therapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms and depression in participants. These findings support the idea that trauma resolution can happen not only through talking but also by helping the nervous system release what’s been held inside. (Read the study)

A Gentle Way In

Movement doesn’t have to mean intense exercise. It could start simply by getting outdoors, tuning into how your body feels, or being present with your breath. These small acts of awareness and motion can support regulation of the nervous system and create moments of calm and connection.

For many people, walking and moving in nature can be especially powerful. It offers space, rhythm, and a soothing sensory experience—all of which help the nervous system feel safe enough to begin releasing held tension. The natural environment provides grounding, with the sights, sounds, and smells helping to anchor us in the present moment. As we slow down and engage with our surroundings, we can cultivate a sense of peace that allows the body to unwind and begin healing from the inside out. The rhythm of walking, combined with the healing energy of nature, invites us to be gentle with ourselves and reminds us that healing is a process, not a race.

Let’s Walk Together

If you’re curious about how gentle movement might support your healing, myself and a fellow psychotherapist have recently created a trauma-informed walking group designed to support people in reconnecting with their bodies and the world around them. ur aim is to build a warm and welcoming community where we integrate mindful movement with therapeutic practices.

It’s an opportunity to slow down, tune into your body, and experience the healing power of nature while being supported by a community that understands and respects your journey. Together, we’ll explore how the simple act of walking, combined with mindful awareness, can help release tension, calm the nervous system, and restore a sense of balance and connection.

Click here to find out more about our walking and wellness group for women and those that identify with womanhood, A2B Collective. Follow our social pages to stay updated about our upcoming events.

In Summary

Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s something your body carries. The impact of trauma often lingers in the form of tension, discomfort, or even physical pain, leaving the body holding onto past experiences long after the mind has processed them. A skilled therapist can help you reconnect with your body’s natural healing abilities, creating a safe space where you can explore both your mind and body’s responses to trauma. By integrating movement into therapy, whether through gentle exercises, breath-work, or somatic awareness, we can tap into the body's innate capacity to heal. These approaches can support the nervous system, helping to regulate stress responses and create a sense of calm and balance.

Movement in therapy can be a gentle yet powerful way to unlock a deeper level of healing. It's not about pushing yourself to perform or do more; it’s about learning to listen to your body, honouring its wisdom, and allowing it to release stored tension. This holistic approach invites the body and mind to work in harmony, helping you move from surviving to thriving.

Trauma can feel isolating, but healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation. With the support of movement, connection, and therapy, there is an opportunity to experience profound transformation and create meaningful progress in your healing journey.

Disclaimer: Information and opinions in this blog do not constitute as therapy or personalised professional advice. If you feel that you would like personalised support from a qualified Psychotherapist you are welcome to book a free introductory call with me or search for a therapist on online directories such as the Counselling Directory or Psychology Today .

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