Somatic Therapy Explained: Trauma, Chronic Stress & Your Body

In this episode of Menopause Rescue, Dr. Polly Watson is joined by massage therapist and somatic practitioner Audrey Burke to explore how the nervous system influences both physical and emotional health. Together, they discuss how chronic stress, trauma, and prolonged survival mode can contribute to symptoms such as digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, chronic pain, and other persistent health concerns—even when medical testing appears normal.

Audrey explains how somatic therapy differs from traditional talk therapy by focusing on the body's sensations and nervous system regulation rather than simply processing thoughts or revisiting past experiences. The conversation explores the science behind the gut-brain connection, developmental trauma, co-regulation, the vagus nerve, and why helping the body feel safe is often an essential step toward healing. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, recovering from trauma, or simply feeling stuck in a constant state of stress, this conversation offers practical, compassionate insights into the powerful connection between the body and the mind.

Quotes

"With somatic therapy, we don't actually have to go back to the original event in order to heal from it." — Audrey Burke
"We're not just looking at our thoughts or emotions, but also noticing what's happening in the body's experience." — Audrey Burke
"Maybe you don't need another five supplements. We need to get your nervous system to feel safe." — Dr. Polly Watson

Connect with Audrey Burke

New Patient: https://calendly.com/restorativepresence-1/

Newsletter: https://www.restorativepresence.com/newsletter

Website: https://www.restorativepresence.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaticswithaudrey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/restorativepresence

Connect with Dr. Polly Watson

Website: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast

Resources: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-resources

New Patient: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/new-patient-consultation

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hormonewellnessmd

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hormonewellnessmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Tw8oHGR_6wBZmXrTu9xA

Disclaimer: https://hormonewellnessmd.com/podcast-disclaimer

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(66)

The Midlife Muscle Blueprint: Strength Training for Menopause and Longevity

Are you working out but still struggling to build muscle? Do you feel like your metabolism has slowed down, your energy is fading, and your body just isn't responding the way it used to? In this episo...

28 Aug 42min

Lipoprotein(a) & Menopause: The Hidden Heart Risk Marker

Could your cholesterol and heart disease risk be changing during menopause without you realizing it? Have you been told hormone therapy protects your heart, but wondered what the research actually say...

31 Jul 51min

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome in Midlife Women: Symptoms, Histamine & Hormones

Have you ever wondered why symptoms like bloating, migraines, anxiety, rashes, dizziness, or food sensitivities seem to get worse during perimenopause? Have you been told your symptoms are “normal” ev...

17 Jul 40min

Strength Training, Pelvic Floor Therapy & BRCA: What Women Need to Know in Midlife

Are you avoiding strength training because your joints hurt or you’re afraid of getting injured? Have you ever wondered if pelvic floor symptoms, painful sex, or chronic tightness are connected to str...

3 Jul 41min

Inflammaging & Menopause: The Hidden Driver of Weight Gain, Fatigue, and Chronic Disease

Are you doing all the “right” things but still struggling with fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, or rising cholesterol in midlife? Have you wondered why hormones alone don’t always fix how you feel? In...

18 Jun 44min

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): Symptoms, IBS, POTS & Why It’s Often Missed

Have you been told your symptoms are “normal” or “all in your head”? Do you struggle with IBS, migraines, dizziness, or unexplained inflammation that no one can connect? In this episode, Dr. Polly Wat...

5 Jun 38min

Cardiovascular Risk in Midlife Women: Insulin Resistance, Inflammation & Heart Health Part 2

Are you wondering if you really need a statin? Have you been handed a prescription but never fully understood your true cardiovascular risk? In this episode, Dr. Polly Watson and Kate Willis, NP-C, br...

22 Mai 31min