Healing After Loss: How Trauma-Sensitive Movement Can Help
When we experience loss, it’s not just our hearts that break—our bodies feel it too. Trauma has a way of settling into the body, showing up in unexpected moments like a heaviness in the chest or a knot in the stomach. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve worked through your grief mentally but still carry it physically, you’re not alone. This week on the podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Janice Isaman, a trauma-sensitive movement specialist, about how reconnecting with your body can be a vital step in the healing process.
What Is Trauma-Sensitive Movement?
Janice explains that trauma-sensitive movement is a therapeutic approach that combines gentle movement and yoga techniques to help the body release stored emotions. Unlike traditional yoga or fitness classes, this method prioritizes choice and rhythm, allowing individuals to feel empowered and safe while exploring their body’s needs. It’s not about achieving fitness goals or pushing through discomfort—it’s about tuning into your body and giving it the care and attention it needs to heal.
“Trauma-sensitive” is a trademarked term developed by the Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) program, which was founded by Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score. This evidence-based practice is designed specifically for trauma survivors and focuses on restoring a sense of control and safety in the body.
Why Movement Matters in Healing
Grief and trauma aren’t just mental or emotional experiences—they’re deeply physical. The body holds onto unprocessed emotions, which can lead to physical sensations that don’t always match what’s happening in your mind. For example, you might feel a sudden wave of sadness or tightness in your chest while grocery shopping or scrolling through your phone. These moments are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m still holding onto something.”
Janice emphasizes that while talk therapy and support groups are essential, they may not address the lingering physical effects of trauma. This is where trauma-sensitive movement can make a difference. Through gentle, rhythmic actions and exercises that encourage choice, you can begin to release those emotions and calm your nervous system.
Reconnecting with Your Body After Loss
One of the challenges many loss moms face is feeling disconnected from their bodies. After experiencing a stillbirth or other loss, it’s common to feel anger, betrayal, or frustration toward your body. Janice acknowledges these feelings and encourages women to approach movement with curiosity and compassion.
“If movement feels nourishing or interesting to you, give it a try,” she says. “You don’t have to commit to a full session—just start with something small, like raising your arm or rotating your spine. The goal is to explore, not to push.”
Practical Tips for Trauma-Sensitive Movement
If you’re curious about trying trauma-sensitive movement, here are a few techniques Janice recommends:
- Start with Choice: Try a simple movement, like raising your arm, and ask yourself if it feels good. If it doesn’t, you can stop, change the angle, or move at a different pace. The key is to listen to your body and make choices that feel supportive.
- Incorporate Rhythm: Rhythmic movements, like tapping your chest or swaying side to side, can help soothe the nervous system. Even a short walk can provide a calming rhythm for your body.
- Be Gentle: This isn’t about burning calories or building strength. It’s about creating a safe space for your body to process emotions. Approach each movement with kindness and curiosity.
- Take It Slow: Healing takes time. It might take weeks or even months to feel connected to your body again, and that’s okay. Allow yourself to move at your own pace.
Moving Forward with Compassion
As Janice beautifully explains, trauma-sensitive movement isn’t about erasing your grief or forgetting your loss. It’s about integrating your experience into your life in a way that feels manageable and healing. By reconnecting with your body and learning to process emotions physically, you can create a pathway toward peace and wholeness.
If you’ve been feeling stuck in your healing journey, this approach might be the tool you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re coping with grief, preparing for pregnancy after loss, or simply trying to reconnect with your body, trauma-sensitive movement offers a gentle and effective way to move forward.
Learn More
To learn more about Janice Isaman and her work, visit My Body Couture or connect with her on social media @MyBodyCouture. You can also explore resources and find certified trauma-sensitive yoga practitioners through the Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga website.
For additional support, visit Navigating Baby Loss for free resources, coaching opportunities, and podcast episodes designed to help you find comfort and healing after loss.
Elephant Journal: https://www.elephantjournal.com/profile/janis-isaman/
Substack: https://mybodycouture.substack.com/
Jennifer Senn is a certified life coach who is also a bereaved mom of twin girls born at 32 weeks. She helps stillbirth moms let go of guilt, process their grief, and figure out what’s next for their future. You can learn more about her and schedule a free support session at jennifersenn.com.
