How Can Movement Help Heal Trauma and Anxiety?

Welcome to another episode of the Anxiety RX podcast! Today, I'm joined by Erica Hornthal, a dance movement psychotherapist, author of Body Aware and the creator of the Movement Therapy Deck. In our conversation, Erica explores the important connection between movement and mental health. She shares insights into how even the smallest movements can help us break free from anxiety and trauma, emphasizing the importance of meeting our bodies where they are. We delve into the role of movement in trauma recovery and self-discovery, discussing the power of movement rituals to support our well-being. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety or looking to deepen your mind-body connection, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for incorporating movement into your life. Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions. PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 3100+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below: https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX ------------------------- TIMESTAMPS Breaking the anxiety cycle (00:01:43) Interrupting the freeze response (00:04:06) Establishing a secure connection to the body (00:10:34) Primitive rhythms and body regulation (00:11:33) Healing trauma through mind-body connection (00:14:14) Movement precedes cognition (00:15:12) The body as the answer (00:17:47) Society's focus on the mind (00:19:42) The mind-body connection (00:20:12) Trauma and dissociation (00:21:44) Escaping into the mind (00:22:54) Regulating emotions through movement (00:24:52) Disrupting trauma patterns (00:26:08) Re-patterning movement habits (00:28:11) Introspection and emotional alarm (00:30:07) Nonverbal communication and trauma (00:32:59) Healing beyond cognition (00:34:32) Feeling into emotions (00:38:11) Expanding movement repertoire (00:39:52) The importance of expanding movement range (00:40:41) Developing movement patterns for resilience (00:41:45) Conscious movement and re-patterning (00:42:15) Mindful movement and exploring the body (00:44:02) Facing discomfort and expanding the window of tolerance (00:46:42) Utilizing movement to process trauma (00:47:39) Meeting anxiety through movement (00:55:34) Tangible ways to address anxiety and fears (00:58:13)