Rewiring Trauma: The Power of Somatic Experiencing with Brian Mahan
Understanding Trauma Beyond the Mind
Trauma is often perceived as a purely psychological experience, something that resides in the mind and is addressed through traditional talk therapy. But what if trauma is also deeply embedded in the body? According to Brian Mahan, a somatic experiencing practitioner, healing from trauma requires more than just revisiting painful memories—it necessitates reconnecting with the body’s natural ability to regulate stress and emotions.
Mahan joined Heal Squad with Maria Menounos to explain how somatic experiencing helps individuals break free from deeply ingrained trauma responses. Maria herself has benefited from this approach, calling it “life-changing” and sharing how it has helped her heal through some of the toughest moments of her life.
How Trauma Gets Stored in the Body
Our nervous system is designed to respond to threats. When we experience trauma, whether emotional or physical, our bodies can get stuck in a fight, flight, or freeze state. Over time, these unprocessed responses can manifest as chronic stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. Mahan explains that trauma is not just something that happens in the past, but something that gets locked into our physiology.
By using somatic experiencing techniques, individuals can learn to regulate their nervous systems, release stored trauma, and create new patterns that lead to emotional resilience and healing.
The Power of Repatterning and Neuroplasticity
One of the most eye-opening aspects of Mahan’s approach is the concept of repatterning. When we experience trauma, our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors become wired into specific patterns. This is why many people find themselves repeating negative cycles, even when they consciously want to change.
But there’s good news: neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to rewire itself, allows us to create new pathways. Studies show that it can take up to 400 repetitions to build a new neural connection—unless it’s done in a playful, imaginative way, which can reduce that number to just 40 repetitions.
Maria shared a personal breakthrough using this concept. Instead of reacting with stress and self-criticism over small mistakes, she consciously chose a “new pattern” by remaining calm, accepting the situation, and moving forward without self-blame. The result? She not only rewired her brain but also created a healthier relationship with herself and others.
A Simple Technique to Reconnect with the Present
One of the most practical tools Mahan recommends is the Five-Sense Orientation Exercise, which helps reestablish a sense of presence and safety in the body. Here’s how you can do it:
- Look around and notice five things in your environment, focusing on colors, shapes, and textures.
- Listen to sounds around you, whether it’s birds chirping, distant conversations, or even silence.
- Smell your surroundings. If you can’t identify any scents, recall familiar and comforting smells from memory.
- Taste something, even if it’s just the lingering flavors in your mouth.
- Touch objects around you, feeling their temperature and texture.
Practicing this for just five minutes a day can help rewire the nervous system, reducing anxiety and improving emotional regulation.
Why Somatic Experiencing Could Be the Missing Piece
Many people spend years in therapy trying to “think their way out of trauma” without realizing that healing must also happen on a physiological level. As Mahan explains, talking about trauma without addressing the body’s response can sometimes re-traumatize rather than heal.
His approach involves working with the nervous system in a safe and controlled manner, allowing individuals to release stored energy without becoming overwhelmed. This creates a sustainable path to healing, rather than just managing symptoms.
Taking the First Step
If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or unresolved stress, seeking a somatic experiencing practitioner may be a powerful next step. Mahan recommends visiting traumahealing.org and healingshame.com to find additional resources and practitioners.
For more on Brian Mahan’s work, visit briandmahan.com or follow him on Instagram at @briandmahansep.
For more healing and wellness tips, be sure to subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos via YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
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