Women’s mental health is a complex and multifaceted issue that is deeply intertwined with their nervous systems. Understanding the impact of past traumas on the nervous system is crucial in addressing the unique challenges faced by women in managing their mental well-being.

The Nervous System and Trauma Responses

The nervous system plays a pivotal role in how individuals respond to stress and trauma. When faced with a threat or traumatic experience, the body’s natural instinct is to protect itself. This can lead to three primary responses: fight, flight or fawn.

  • Fight Response: In a fight response, individuals may feel a strong urge to confront the threat or defend themselves. This can manifest as anger, aggression or defensiveness. For example, a woman who experienced childhood abuse may react with hostility or defiance when faced with authority figures or perceived threats.
  • Flight Response: The flight response involves the instinct to flee or escape from the perceived danger. This can manifest as avoidance, withdrawal or seeking distractions. For instance, a woman who experienced a traumatic event may avoid certain places or situations that trigger memories of the trauma or may engage in excessive busyness to avoid facing difficult emotions.
  • Fawn Response: The fawn response is less commonly known but equally significant. In a fawn response, individuals may seek to please or appease others in order to avoid conflict or gain acceptance. This can manifest as people-pleasing, codependency or a tendency to prioritize others’ needs over one’s own. For example, a woman who experienced emotional neglect as a child may constantly seek validation and approval from others, even at the expense of her own well-being.

Somatic Therapy: Healing through the Body

Somatic therapy is a holistic approach to healing that recognizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. It focuses on exploring and addressing the physical sensations and experiences stored in the body as a result of past traumas. Through gentle movement, breathwork and mindfulness practices, somatic therapy helps individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems and process unresolved emotions.

University Behavioral Health’s Women’s Lotus Program: Offering Somatic Therapy

At University Behavioral Health, we understand the importance of providing specialized care for women’s mental health needs. That’s why we offer somatic therapy as part of our Women’s Lotus Program for inpatient mental health care. Our program is designed to create a safe and supportive environment where women can explore their emotions, build resilience and learn effective coping strategies.

Through somatic therapy, women in our program have the opportunity to:

  • Develop a deeper awareness of their body’s sensations and responses
  • Learn practical tools for regulating their nervous systems and managing stress
  • Process and release stored emotions and trauma
  • Cultivate a sense of empowerment and agency in their healing journey

By integrating somatic therapy into our comprehensive treatment approach, we aim to empower women to reclaim control over their mental and emotional well-being, and ultimately, to thrive in their lives beyond the program.

Reach Out for Help Today

Women’s mental health is deeply interconnected with their nervous systems, and past traumas can manifest in various response patterns, including fight, flight or fawn. Somatic therapy offers a powerful avenue for healing by helping women regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and process unresolved emotions.

At University Behavioral Health, we are committed to providing specialized care for women’s mental health needs, including somatic therapy as part of our Women’s Lotus Program. Our goal is to support women on their journey toward healing, empowerment and resilience.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our Women’s Lotus Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your healing journey starts here.

About University Behavioral Health of Denton

University Behavioral Health of Denton is a healthcare facility for adults and teens dealing with mental health illnesses and substance abuse. We offer supportive and compassionate care for all of our patients. Since 2005, we’ve treated a variety of patients while making sure they and their family receive respectful and dignified treatment at all times.

Located in Denton, TX we provide a compassionate and welcoming atmosphere. Some of our programs include our adult, teens and lotus program for women. One of the best aspects of our services is that our specialty programs are tailored to meet the needs of our patients. This is accomplished as we provide professional, effective, and efficient service.

To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 940-320-8100.