Attending Bessel van der Kolk’s two-day workshop in Melbourne titled The Body Keeps the Score was an enlightening experience that deepened my understanding of trauma, the body, and the power of somatic approaches like nature-based therapy. As a registered social worker, clinical supervisor, and nature-based therapist, I found the insights invaluable for enhancing trauma-informed practices and supporting clients in their healing journey. 

Key Insights from Bessel van der Kolk’s Workshop

Bessel van der Kolk is a pioneer in understanding trauma and its impact on the body. His workshop provided practical insights into how unresolved trauma manifests physically and emotionally. Here are some of the most powerful takeaways:

1. The Body Remembers Trauma
   Trauma isn’t just stored in the mind — it imprints itself in the body. When someone experiences a traumatic event, their nervous system responds with survival mechanisms like fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. Even years later, certain triggers can activate these responses, making individuals feel as though they are reliving the event. Understanding this is key to developing interventions that support nervous system regulation.
2. Emotional Triggers are the Body’s Memory System
   One of the most profound insights was understanding that emotional triggers are often the body remembering a traumatic event, even if the mind is unaware of what caused the reaction. The body perceives danger, even when no immediate threat is present. This is why traditional talk therapy alone may not fully resolve trauma — the body must also be engaged in the healing process.
3. Polyvagal Theory and the Role of Safety
   Van der Kolk emphasized the importance of the vagus nerve in regulating the nervous system. According to polyvagal theory, creating a sense of safety in the body is essential for trauma recovery. When the nervous system feels safe, it moves out of survival mode and allows the individual to connect, trust, and heal.

 

Integrating Nature-Based Therapy as a Trauma-Informed Approach

Nature-based therapy complements trauma-informed care beautifully. One of the key insights I gained from the workshop was how closely aligned nature-based therapy is with the principles of polyvagal theory and somatic healing practices. Here’s how nature can support trauma recovery:

1. Slowing Down and Being Present
   Nature invites us to pause, breathe, and be in the present moment. This slower pace creates opportunities for individuals to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. This mindful awareness helps regulate the nervous system and cultivate a sense of calm, which is vital for healing trauma.
2. Engaging the Senses for Safety
   Nature engages all five senses — the sound of rustling leaves, the scent of eucalyptus, the feel of textured bark, or the sight of flowing water. This sensory engagement aligns with polyvagal theory, which emphasizes the role of sensory input in signalling safety to the nervous system. By grounding individuals in their immediate environment, nature provides a powerful antidote to emotional overwhelm.
3. Nature as a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space
   Many individuals with trauma struggle with trust and social engagement. Nature offers a gentle and non-threatening environment where individuals can explore their feelings at their own pace. Whether sitting quietly under a tree, walking barefoot on grass, or observing wildlife, these simple yet profound connections promote feelings of safety and comfort.
4. Restoring a Sense of Connection
   Trauma often leads to feelings of disconnection — from the body, from others, and from the world. Nature invites individuals to rebuild this connection. By observing natural patterns, cycles, and resilience, people often find metaphors that resonate with their own healing journey.

 

Why Trauma-Informed Care Needs Nature-Based Therapy

Integrating nature-based therapy into trauma-informed practice offers powerful benefits for mental well-being. It combines evidence-based approaches like mindfulness, somatic awareness, and polyvagal theory with the grounding and stabilizing effect of the natural world. By engaging in nature-based practices, individuals can regulate their nervous systems, build resilience, and develop a deeper connection with themselves and their surroundings.

 

Discover the Power of Nature-Based Therapy

If you’re a mental health professional, counsellor, or social worker interested in exploring nature-based therapy as a trauma-informed approach, I invite you to join one of our Introduction to Nature Based Therapy Workshops. In these workshops, we delve deeper into practical techniques for integrating nature into therapeutic practices, helping you support clients in regulating their nervous system and fostering a deeper sense of well-being.

To learn more and register for our upcoming workshops, visit our website or reach out to our team. Let’s work together to bring healing, connection, and resilience through nature-based therapy.