Nervous System Safety

Understanding the Nervous System

The nervous system (NS) plays a crucial role in how we experience and respond to life as it unfolds in front of us. This approach emphasises the connection between mind and body, recognising that stressful and overwhelming experiences are not only stored in the brain but also in the body's tissues and nervous system.

When we are faced with an event that feels unsafe or overwhelming, our nervous system can react in one of four ways: fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. These are automatic survival responses designed to protect us from harm.

Fight or Flight, Freeze and Fawn

Fight, flight and freeze, and fawn are used to describe various nervous system states, and are a part of the autonomic nervous system which is also responsible for involuntary functions like heartbeat, digestion, and breathing.

The autonomic system is split into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses, while the parasympathetic system causes a shutdown response and also promotes "rest and digest” functions.

  • FIGHT: (Sympathetic)

    This response is characterised by a readiness to confront or fight off a threat. The body mobilizes energy, increases heart rate, and releases adrenaline, preparing us to take action. In the context of trauma, an overactive fight response can lead to chronic anger, irritability, and difficulty managing aggression.

  • FLIGHT: (Sympathetic)

    The flight response involves the urge to escape from danger. The body's physiological reactions, such as increased heart rate and heightened alertness, support quick movement and retreat. When trauma leads to a prolonged flight response, it may result in anxiety, restlessness, and a constant need to avoid perceived dangers.

  • FREEZE: (Parasympathetic)

    When neither fighting nor fleeing seems possible, the freeze response can take over. This involves a sense of being stuck, unable to move or take action. The body may feel numb or disconnected, as if paralysed by fear. Chronic activation of the freeze response can contribute to symptoms of depression, dissociation, and a general sense of helplessness.

  • FAWN: (Parasympathetic)

    The fawn response involves appeasing or pleasing others to avoid conflict or danger. This response can develop as a survival strategy, especially in environments where direct confrontation or escape is not safe. It may lead to patterns of people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, and struggles with self-identity.

Trauma and the Body

Trauma doesn't always result from a major event; it can also arise from more subtle, chronic experiences like neglect, criticism, or feeling unsafe. Even small, repeated stressors can deeply impact the nervous system and emotional well-being.

Trauma’s profound impact on the nervous system often leaves it in a state of dysregulation. The body's natural stress responses can become stuck in high-alert (sympathetic nervous system dominance) or shutdown (parasympathetic nervous system dominance). This dysregulation can manifest as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional and physical symptoms.

To foster healing, it is essential to first establish a safe space—both internally and externally. This involves cultivating a sense of security within your body, allowing your nervous system to shift out of survival mode and into a state where healing can occur.

Somatic Therapy's Approach

Somatic therapy focuses on helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and release the physical and emotional effects of trauma. By paying attention to bodily sensations and responses, somatic therapy aims to bring awareness to how trauma is held in the body and gently work through it. Techniques may include mindfulness, grounding, breath exercises and other somatic practices help reconnect you with your body, creating a foundation of safety that supports emotional repair.

In our sessions, we prioritise this sense of safety, acknowledging that true healing can only begin when the nervous system feels secure. By creating a nurturing environment, we help you explore and release the deep-seated trauma held in your body, guiding you toward a state of balance and resilience.

Trauma doesn't always result from a major event; it can also arise from more subtle, chronic experiences like neglect, criticism, or feeling unsafe. Even small, repeated stressors can deeply impact the nervous system and emotional well-being.