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Trauma affects more than just the mind—it leaves a deep imprint on the body. In this episode of the Red Beard Embodiment Podcast, I sit down with trauma specialist Ruth Milsten to explore the profound connection between trauma and the nervous system. Ruth shares insights into how somatic therapy can help individuals regulate their nervous systems, heal past wounds, and live more balanced lives. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional overwhelm, chronic stress, or a highly sensitive nervous system, this conversation is for you.

Ruth Milsten, a licensed clinical social worker and yoga teacher, discusses her transition from traditional social work to a holistic, body-centered therapy approach. She shares valuable techniques for self-regulation, explains the science behind trauma’s impact on the nervous system, and highlights how breathwork and movement can promote healing. Here are six key takeaways from our discussion.

Ruth’s Journey from Social Work to Somatic Therapy

Ruth began her career in traditional social work but quickly realized that conventional talk therapy wasn’t addressing the full spectrum of healing. She found herself drawn to body-based approaches that integrated movement, breathwork, and nervous system regulation. Her journey led her to train in yoga and somatic therapies, which provided the missing link between trauma and physical healing.

By incorporating somatic techniques into her practice, Ruth has been able to help clients release stored trauma and reconnect with their bodies. She emphasizes that healing isn’t just about talking through past experiences—it’s about engaging the body in the process of recovery.

Understanding Trauma’s Impact on the Nervous System

One of the most crucial aspects of trauma healing is understanding how it affects the nervous system. Trauma can leave individuals stuck in fight-or-flight mode or, alternatively, in a state of freeze or shutdown. Without addressing these nervous system imbalances, people may struggle with chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

Ruth explains that somatic therapy helps rewire these responses by teaching the body how to shift from survival mode to a state of safety and balance. Through breathwork, gentle movement, and mindfulness techniques, individuals can learn to calm their nervous systems and regain a sense of control.

The Challenges and Strengths of Highly Sensitive People

Highly sensitive people (HSPs) often experience the world with heightened awareness, making them more attuned to others' emotions and environmental stimuli. While this can be a gift, it also presents unique challenges, such as sensory overload and emotional exhaustion.

Ruth shares strategies for managing sensitivity, including grounding exercises, boundary-setting, and intentional self-care practices. By embracing their sensitivity rather than resisting it, HSPs can harness their innate strengths and navigate the world with greater ease.

The Role of Attachment Theory and Mother-Infant Bonding

Attachment theory plays a crucial role in understanding how early relationships shape our ability to connect and regulate emotions. Ruth highlights the importance of secure attachment in childhood and how disruptions in early bonding can lead to relational challenges in adulthood.

By revisiting these early experiences through somatic therapy, individuals can begin to repair attachment wounds and develop healthier, more fulfilling relationships. Ruth provides practical exercises for building secure attachment patterns, whether in personal relationships or through self-soothing techniques.

Practical Self-Regulation Techniques for Healing

Regulating the nervous system is key to managing stress and emotional well-being. Ruth shares a variety of self-regulation techniques, including breathwork, grounding exercises, and movement practices. These tools help individuals shift from states of anxiety and overwhelm to calm and balance.

She encourages listeners to incorporate small, consistent practices into their daily routines. Even just a few minutes of intentional breathing or movement each day can make a profound difference in overall emotional resilience.

How Trauma Manifests in Physical Symptoms

Many people don’t realize that trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, including chronic pain, digestive issues, and muscle tension. Ruth explains how unresolved trauma gets stored in the body and how somatic therapy can help release these physical imprints.

By working with the body rather than against it, individuals can begin to alleviate chronic symptoms and experience deeper healing. Ruth emphasizes the importance of listening to bodily cues and responding with compassionate self-care.

This conversation with Ruth Milsten sheds light on the power of somatic therapy in healing trauma and regulating the nervous system. Whether you are a highly sensitive person, struggling with stress, or looking for effective ways to integrate body-based healing into your life, Ruth’s insights provide a roadmap for transformation.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion packed with actionable advice. Tune in now to explore the transformative power of somatic therapy.