top of page
Search

Why Trauma Lives in Your Body, Even After Years of Therapy

  • Writer: Dr. Mindy Pelz
    Dr. Mindy Pelz
  • 6 days ago
  • 2 min read

EP347 with Dr. Frank Anderson



For years we've been told that healing trauma means talking about it. But what if talking isn't enough?


In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Harvard-trained psychiatrist and world-renowned trauma expert Dr. Frank Anderson to explore why trauma isn't simply stored in your memories. It's stored in your body.


We discuss why so many women find old wounds resurfacing during perimenopause and menopause, why food often becomes a coping mechanism for unresolved trauma, and why traditional talk therapy doesn't always create lasting healing.


Dr. Anderson shares the science behind trauma, nervous system regulation, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, psychedelics, and the small daily experiences that help your brain and body finally feel safe again.


If you've ever wondered why you keep reacting the same way despite years of personal growth, this conversation will help you understand what your body has been trying to tell you all along.


Healing doesn't happen in one breakthrough. It happens through thousands of small corrective experiences. — Dr. Frank Anderson

Key Takeaways


  • Trauma doesn't disappear simply because you've talked about it. Your body has to experience safety before healing begins.

  • Hormonal changes during menopause can expose emotional wounds that have been buried for decades.

  • Emotional eating often serves as protection. Understanding the need beneath the behavior is an important part of healing.

  • Feeling triggered doesn't mean you've failed. It often points to an area that still needs care and attention.

  • Lasting healing rarely comes from one breakthrough. It comes from repeated moments that teach your nervous system it's safe.

  • Healthy relationships play a powerful role in trauma recovery because healing happens in connection with others.

  • The goal isn't to erase your past. It's to build a nervous system that no longer lives in survival mode.


Resources Mentioned




Meet the Guest

Dr. Frank Anderson

Dr. Frank Anderson is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, internationally recognized trauma expert, and author of Transcending Trauma and To Be Loved. He trained alongside trauma pioneer Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, serves on the board of the Trauma Research Foundation, and has spent decades helping people heal through an integrative approach that combines neuroscience, Internal Family Systems, attachment theory, and body-based therapies.




Never Miss an Episode

If these conversations support you, I’d love to keep them coming directly to you.



This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or medical advice. Please consult a qualified professional about your individual situation.

Comments

bottom of page