As September marks Self-Care Month, many people will focus on stress management, exercise, and mindfulness. But Judith A. Swack, Ph.D., a biochemist and immunologist, suggests that despite these efforts, individuals may still find themselves trapped in the same emotional or behavioral patterns. Her new book, Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck, offers a scientific perspective on why understanding our triggers isn't enough to change our responses.
Dr. Swack explains that trauma is not just a mental imprint but is stored in the body at a cellular level. She states, "Until trauma is cleared at the body level, it keeps repeating and you keep reacting. That's why you can understand your trauma, and still feel stuck in it." This insight is based on her original research into the structure of trauma, which reveals that trauma is layered and complex, often not addressed by conventional therapies that rely solely on cognitive understanding.
The implications of this research are significant for mental health treatment. If trauma is not just in the mind but also in the body, then talk therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches may not be sufficient for full recovery. Dr. Swack's methodology, Healing from the Body Level Up™ (HBLU™), aims to clear trauma at four levels: conscious, unconscious, body, and soul. This comprehensive approach may explain why some individuals who have tried multiple therapies still experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or self-sabotage.
One of the key challenges is that trauma can trigger emotional and physical reactions even when a person knows they are safe. This disconnect between knowledge and response is a hallmark of unresolved trauma. Dr. Swack points to evidence-based energy psychology techniques that can help bridge this gap, offering hope to those who have not found success with traditional methods.
The importance of this perspective is underscored by the recognition that Clear Trauma Now recently won the 2026 Silver Medal for Grief Books from the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR). This acknowledgment highlights the growing interest in alternative and complementary approaches to mental health.
For those seeking immediate help, Dr. Swack will host a "Clear Trauma Now Live Healing" webinar on Thursday evenings in September: Sept. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sept. 10, 17, and 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EDT. Participants can experience trauma healing in real time and learn techniques to use themselves. More details are available at hblu.org/live-healing-experience.
This approach to self-care goes beyond surface-level relaxation. By addressing the root patterns that drive emotional and physical distress, individuals may find a path to lasting change. Dr. Swack's work suggests that true self-care involves not just managing symptoms but clearing the underlying trauma that keeps us stuck.
As Self-Care Month encourages people to prioritize their well-being, this research offers a deeper understanding of why we may need to look beyond conventional advice. For those who have tried to change but feel hindered by past experiences, the message is clear: healing is possible, but it may require addressing trauma at the body level.
