The Freeze Trauma Response: Understanding and Moving Forward with Somatic Therapy

The freeze trauma response is an often misunderstood reaction to overwhelming stress or trauma. Unlike the well-known fight or flight responses, freezing is more about shutting down than running away or battling back. Many individuals find themselves stuck in this state without understanding its implications or how to move forward. In this blog post, we will explore the freeze response in detail, identify its signs and symptoms, and introduce how somatic therapy can help. If you're feeling stuck in this cycle, you're not alone—and there is a path to healing.

What is the Freeze Trauma Response?

The freeze trauma response occurs when an individual feels threatened but believes they cannot escape or confront the danger. This can happen in situations of acute stress, like a car accident, or prolonged difficulties, such as ongoing domestic abuse. Unlike the fight or flight responses that propel someone into action, freezing signifies a state of immobilisation. When people freeze, they may feel detached from their bodies or surroundings, as if they are merely observing themselves from a distance.

This response is deeply rooted in our evolutionary biology. The freeze response was developed as a survival mechanism, helping our ancestors to remain undetected by predators or dangerous situations. While it may have served a purpose historically, in today’s world, many find themselves stuck in this mode long after the threat has passed.

Recognising Common Signs and Symptoms of the Freeze Response

Individuals stuck in a freeze trauma response may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms. Understanding these can help you recognise if you are experiencing this state.

Emotional Signs

• Numbness: Many individuals report feeling emotionally detached or numb. This can create a sense of disconnection from one’s feelings and even relationships.

• Fear or Anxiety: Even in safe environments, feelings of anxiety and fear may linger, as if the threat is always nearby.

• Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness can be experienced.

  
  

Physical Signs

• Tension or Rigidity: A common physical manifestation of the freeze response is muscle tension. You may feel like your body is “guarded” or bracing without any reason.

• Fatigue: Frozen states can result in overwhelming exhaustion. The body is in a constant state of alertness, which can be emotionally draining.

• Dissociation: Some people may experience disconnection from the body, feeling as if they are watching themselves from outside their bodies.

  
  

Behavioral Signs

• Withdrawal: People may isolate themselves from social interactions or avoid situations that remind them of past trauma.

• Avoidance: You might find it hard to engage in activities that were once enjoyable, leading to increased isolation.

  
  

Recognising these signs is the first step toward understanding that you're not alone and can initiate your healing journey.

How Somatic Therapy Supports Clients in Thawing the Freeze Response

Somatic therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, allowing individuals to process trauma pent-up in the body. This therapeutic approach encourages awareness of bodily sensations and the energy trapped due to trauma. Here’s how somatic therapy can be beneficial:

Addressing the Body's Memory

Trauma is often stored in the body, leading to long-lasting physical and emotional effects. Somatic therapy helps clients to explore these sensations and bring awareness to the areas where trauma resides. This process allows for gradual release and healing, facilitating movement to move through the freeze response.

Creating Safety and Trust

A key aspect of somatic therapy is establishing safety. Clients learn techniques to ground themselves, fostering a sense of security in their bodies. For those stuck in the freeze response, feeling safe is crucial to embodying the change. The therapist creates a supportive space, enabling clients to express themselves without judgment.

Movement, Breath Work and Sound

In somatic therapy, movement, breath work, and sound are essential tools. These practices help clients reconnect with their bodies, releasing pent-up energy and tension.

Empowering Self-Regulation

Through somatic therapy, individuals learn to recognise their internal signals and develop skills for self-regulation. This empowerment is vital for those caught in the freeze response, helping them to articulate their needs and actions in a way that aligns with their true selves.

Practical Steps for Moving Forward

If you recognise aspects of the freeze response within yourself, consider the following steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

It's crucial to validate your experiences. Recognise that feeling stuck and overwhelmed is not just a personal failing but a response to trauma.

2. Reach Out for Help

Consider seeking a trained somatic therapist. They specialise in guiding individuals through the complexities of trauma and empowering them to reclaim their lives.

There are a lot of other types of therapy that can help.

3. Practice Grounding Techniques

Developing grounding skills can help you reconnect with your body. Techniques might include deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or even simple actions like walking barefoot on the earth.

4. Focus on Small Steps

Progress does not have to happen overnight. Start with small, manageable steps, like leaning into a breathing exercise for five minutes or journaling your feelings. Celebrate any movement toward healing.

5. Build a Support Network

Engage family or friends in your healing process. Let them know how they can best support you as you navigate your journey from being stuck to thriving.

Incorporating these steps into your daily routine can create a foundation for healing from the freeze response.

Finding Healing Through Connection

In understanding the freeze trauma response, we take a significant step toward healing. By recognising its signs, the physiological impacts, and the options available through somatic therapy, you begin to see a pathway out of the freeze state. Healing is possible, and it starts with acknowledging where you are, reaching out for support, and gradually taking steps toward recovery. It’s a journey worth embarking on and one that many have walked successfully before you. Remember, being stuck in the freeze response does not define you. Healing is a process, one that invites you to reclaim your story and embrace your life anew.