The Body Remembers: A Deeper Look at Trauma-Informed Care at Soul Trine

I’m excited to announce that Krysten Deer of Soul Trine is also now a Certified Trauma Informed Coach. Having both Soul Trine wellness practitioners with Trauma Informed Coach Certifications means you can now book Krysten for Emotional Reset Massages as well. This is a monumental step for us, and I want to take a moment to explain why this certification is so important for your experiences at Soul Trine. It’s an evolution in how we care for you, our clients, and it’s deeply rooted in a truth we’ve long known to be central to our work: the profound and undeniable connection between the mind and the body.

When Your Pain is Deeper Than Your Flesh

Many of you have sought us out for relief from physical pain. You come to us with tight shoulders, aching backs, and persistent headaches - and while we excel at addressing these physical symptoms, we know that for many, the root cause is not just a desk job, bad night’s sleep, or a rough day at the gym. It’s the emotional and mental pain that has manifested into physical pain. The body, in its wisdom, holds onto stress, grief, and fear. It literally “keeps the score,” as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk so eloquently put it in his groundbreaking book.

This is where the science of trauma and the practice of massage, Reiki, and spiritual guidance beautifully intersect. Research has shown that trauma isn’t just a psychological wound; it’s a physiological one. The nervous system, in an effort to protect us during a perceived threat, shifts into a state of "fight, flight, or freeze." The problem is, when the traumatic event is over, the nervous system can get stuck in this high-alert state. This chronic activation of the stress response system, or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, floods the body with stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, this can lead to a host of physical ailments, including chronic muscle tension, digestive issues, and even a weakened immune system.

The Trauma-Informed Approach and Your Sessions

A trauma-informed approach acknowledges this mind-body connection not as an abstract concept, but as the lived reality of our clients. It means that Krysten and I approach every session with the understanding that the body can hold onto memories and sensations related to past trauma. It's not about being a therapist or asking you to relive your trauma. Instead, it’s about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel empowered and in control of your own healing journey.

So, what does this actually look like in practice? It starts with the environment. Our space is a sanctuary where you can feel at ease. Then, it's about communication. A trauma-informed practitioner uses language that is respectful and empowering. We explain what we are going to do before we do it, and we ask for your explicit consent for every touch. This is crucial because for many who have experienced trauma, a feeling of not being in control of their own bodies is a core part of their experience. By prioritizing your choices and listening to your cues, we help you rebuild a sense of safety and agency. We might notice subtle signs of discomfort, like a change in breathing or a tightening of a muscle, and we are trained to gently and respectfully respond to those signals, adjusting our approach to ensure you feel secure.

This isn't just theory; it's a practice backed by science. Studies have shown that massage therapy can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting it from a state of hypervigilance to a state of calm. Massage has been found to decrease levels of cortisol while increasing hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with elevated mood and a sense of well-being. This is why a simple massage can often lead to a profound emotional release—the body is finally feeling safe enough to let go of what it has been holding onto for so long.

This knowledge also informs my work in Reiki and spiritual guidance. When I am working with a client in a Reiki session, I am not just moving energy; I am using my trauma-informed lens to understand how and why that energy might be blocked. By creating a space of trust and understanding, I can better support your body's natural ability to heal and find balance. Similarly, in spiritual guidance, I understand that the stories we tell ourselves and the beliefs we hold about our worth are often deeply intertwined with past painful experiences. My trauma-informed coaching skills allow me to hold a safe space for you to explore these inner landscapes without judgment, helping you to find clarity and compassion for yourself.

Nervous System Fitness and Somatic Regulation

Earlier this year, I became a Certified Nervous System Fitness Trainer for many reasons that I explained in a previous blog post. I offer Somatic Regulation as a coaching service. One of the most powerful tools for healing trauma from a body-centered perspective is Somatic Regulation. This is a key service we offer that is specifically designed to help you regulate your nervous system through conscious movement. Trauma can leave us feeling disconnected from our bodies, but Somatic Regulation helps us gently and intentionally reconnect. Through guided exercises, we can help you release trapped energy and emotional tension, giving you the tools to find a sense of calm and safety within yourself. This is a fantastic complement to massage, as it teaches your body how to process and release stress on its own, building a foundation of resilience that extends far beyond the session itself.

At Soul Trine, we believe that healing is a holistic process that involves the mind, body, and spirit. By embracing a trauma-informed approach, we are simply honoring that belief on a deeper level. We are giving you more than a massage or a reading; we are giving you a safe and supportive space to be seen, heard, and held in your entirety. We are here to support you in your journey of healing, helping you move from a place of surviving to a place of truly thriving. Our certifications are not just for us—they are for you. They are our promise to show up with the knowledge, compassion, and respect you deserve as you reclaim your well-being.