EP208 Feelings actually are facts! The Biology of Trauma with Dr. Aimee Apigian

In this episode, Dr. Aimee joins Colleen to explain what it really means to have “stored trauma” in the body—and why unresolved trauma often shows up not as flashbacks, but as fatigue, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and habits like nightly drinking. You’ll hear how trauma is stored at the cellular level, why cognitive awareness isn’t enough to heal it, and what it really takes to feel safe in your own body.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma isn’t defined by an event—it’s defined by your body’s response to overwhelm, powerlessness, and isolation.

• Many women don’t realize they’re stuck in a trauma response because it looks like being “too busy,” “not having willpower,” or “just needing to try harder.”

• The trauma response shows up biologically, at the cellular level, often causing fatigue, anxiety, inflammation, and shut down.

• The nervous system doesn't respond to logic—it responds to cues of safety and danger. When your body perceives a threat, you can’t use reason to override shame, fear and anxiety.

• You don’t heal trauma by talking about it—you heal it by completing the stress response, regulating the nervous system, and shifting how safe you feel in your body.

You can pre-order Dr. Amy’s new book Biology of Trauma and get over $400 in bonuses at biologyoftrauma.com.

 

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