Episode 18 | It’s Not Just in Your Head: Trauma in the Body & Somatic Healing with Hannah Rzysko

If you’ve ever felt like you understand your patterns but still can’t seem to change them, this episode is for you. In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, Lydia is joined by trauma-informed somatic therapist and coach Hannah Rzysko to explore what it really means when we say trauma is held in the body. Together, they unpack why healing is not just about mindset, how the nervous system stores past experiences, and why your body can still feel unsafe even when your life looks safe on the outside. Hannah shares accessible and compassionate insights into somatic healing, a body-based approach that supports you in gently releasing stored trauma without overwhelm or forcing anything before you are ready. This episode will help you understand your reactions on a deeper level, especially if you experience anxiety, shutdown, anger, tightness in the chest or that constant knot in your stomach. You are not broken. Your body is trying to protect you. WHAT WE COVER What it actually means for trauma to be stored in the body Why mindset work alone does not always create lasting change How the nervous system acts as a filing cabinet of past experiences Why your body can react before your mind has time to catch up The connection between trauma and survival responses such as fight, flight, freeze and shutdown How trauma can show up in relationships, intimacy and everyday life Why anger often feels overwhelming and what is really happening in the body The window of tolerance and how it supports safe healing The difference between coping tools and deeper nervous system work Why some emotions feel unsafe to experience How somatic healing gently supports release without re-traumatisation The role of safety, dignity and belonging in trauma recovery What embodiment really means and why it matters WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR This episode is for you if you: Feel stuck in patterns you cannot seem to think your way out of Experience anxiety, overwhelm, numbness or shutdown Notice physical sensations like tightness in your chest or a knot in your stomach Struggle with anger or feel disconnected from your emotions Find it hard to feel safe in your body, even when nothing feels wrong Are curious about somatic healing and nervous system work Want a gentler, trauma-informed approach to healing KEY TAKEAWAYS Trauma is not just something you remember. It is something your body continues to respond to Your nervous system is constantly scanning for safety and shaping how you experience the world You cannot always think your way out of survival responses Many of your reactions make sense when you understand what your body has been through Healing does not have to be forceful. It can be slow, safe and supportive You do not have to do this work alone CONTENT NOTE This episode includes discussion of trauma, sexual trauma, childhood experiences, anxiety, eating disorders and nervous system dysregulation. Please listen gently and take a pause if needed. This podcast is not a replacement for professional support. ABOUT THE GUEST Hannah Rzysko is a trauma-informed somatic therapist and coach who helps people move from survival mode into greater safety, embodiment and self-trust. Her work focuses on supporting the nervous system, helping clients understand how trauma is held in the body, and guiding them through gentle, effective somatic healing practices. Connect with Hannah: Instagram: @thisis_hana_r Website: https://www.hannahrzysko.com/ CONNECT WITH LYDIA Website: www.ridingthetraumatrain.co.uk Instagram: @ridingthetraumatrain Instagram: @right.track.wellbeing Email: [email protected] If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who might need to hear it. You can also follow Riding the Trauma Train, leave a review, or send Lydia a message to let her know what stood out for you. And remember, you do not have to travel this journey alone