Untethering with Somatic EMDR
The body remembers.
Sometimes it whispers—a flutter in the chest, a tightening in the belly.
Other times it shouts—nightmares, panic, exhaustion that lingers.
Like rings within a tree, our bodies carry the story of storms weathered long ago.
Some of these storms are our own. Others were lived by those who came before us.
And yet, even the oldest trees grow new leaves each spring.
Our nervous systems, too, hold a quiet capacity for renewal.
Your story lives in your body
Trauma doesn’t always arrive as one dramatic event. Sometimes it settles in slowly—through chronic stress, unsafe relationships, or years of feeling unseen. Other times, it is carried to us before we ever take a breath. Science now tells us what many cultures have long known: generational trauma—the pain passed down through families—can shape our nervous systems across lifetimes.
And beyond family histories, there are the broader forces that leave their imprint. Systemic trauma—racism, poverty, colonization, gender-based harm, injustice—can erode safety and belonging on a community-wide scale. Trauma, then, is not only an individual burden. It is also collective, layered into both mind and body, shaping the way we think, feel, and move through the world.
The good news is this: trauma can heal. And approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)—especially when paired with somatic, body-based practices—offer powerful ways forward.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy, created by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, is different from traditional talk therapy. Instead of only discussing painful memories, EMDR helps the brain reprocess them. This happens through bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds—which mirror the brain’s natural healing rhythms (similar to what occurs during REM sleep).
When trauma isn’t fully processed, it doesn’t fade into the past. It gets “stuck,” and the body continues to react as if the danger is happening now. EMDR helps release these memories, allowing them to be integrated and settled.
This isn’t just anecdotal—organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychiatric Association recognize EMDR as one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for trauma and PTSD.
Why Add the Body? Introducing Somatic EMDR
While EMDR engages the brain’s processing of memory, trauma also roots itself in the body. Think of the quickened heartbeat, the clenched jaw, the frozen shoulders, the breath caught high in the chest. These survival responses can stay locked in our physiology long after the threat has passed.
Somatic EMDR weaves body awareness into the healing process. By noticing sensations, breath, and posture—and sometimes inviting gentle grounding or movement—clients can release the physical imprints of trauma that words alone can’t reach.
This approach is especially vital when tending to:
Generational trauma, where patterns of fear and hypervigilance ripple across family lines.
Systemic trauma, where the nervous system carries the ongoing weight of oppression and marginalization.
Somatic Practices That Deepen EMDR
Some of the embodied tools often woven into Somatic EMDR include:
Grounding – cultivating presence and safety when emotions rise.
Somatic Awareness – learning to recognize the body’s cues, like breath, tension, or trembling, as guides.
Resourcing – building inner wells of strength and calm, such as a safe place, a supportive figure, or a grounding image.
Titration – moving slowly, in digestible steps, so healing doesn’t overwhelm.
Release & Sequencing – allowing the body to complete what was once interrupted: a sigh, a shiver, a softening.
Each of these practices honors the body’s wisdom while keeping the process gentle, safe, and deeply human.
The Bigger Picture: Trauma in Context
Healing cannot happen in isolation from the larger forces that shape our lives. Generational trauma often shows up as patterns—chronic stress, anxiety, or vigilance—that echo the unprocessed pain of parents and grandparents.
Meanwhile, systemic trauma—racism, colonization, economic oppression—creates environments where nervous systems remain on high alert. For many, it’s not just what happened personally, but also what happens daily in the world around them.
True healing requires honoring both the personal and the collective. Somatic EMDR helps bridge this gap—tending to the nervous system’s imprints while creating space for empowerment, resilience, and even liberation.
What Healing Can Look Like
Those who engage in Somatic EMDR often experience:
Relief from intrusive memories and nightmares.
A softer body—less tension, less holding.
A felt sense of safety and belonging within.
Improved sleep, steadier moods, and deeper rest.
The ability to respond to life with presence, not just survival.
Healing does not erase the past, but it transforms the way the past lives within you.
Moving Toward Resilience
At UnEarthed, we approach trauma work with compassion, curiosity, and deep respect for your whole story—including the layers shaped by family history and systemic realities. Healing isn’t about rushing or “getting over it.” It’s about creating safety, gently integrating what was once too overwhelming, and reconnecting with your body’s natural wisdom to heal and grow.
Take the Next Step
If you feel called, consider this an invitation. Trauma—whether personal, generational, or systemic—does not have to define the rest of your life. With the right support, healing is not only possible, it’s your birthright.
You deserve safety, healing, and the freedom to thrive.
If you would like more information about Somatic EMDR or if you just want to connect, please reach out. We would love to chat.
