Why Trauma Therapy Can Feel Physical — And How to Cope
If you’ve ever left a therapy session feeling wiped out, achy, or even flu-ish, you’re not alone.
Trauma therapy doesn’t just stir up emotions — it often activates the body too. A recent Shape article calls this the “treatment effect” or sometimes a therapy hangover.
Why Therapy Impacts the Body
Mind-body connection: Trauma is stored not only in memory but in the nervous system. When you revisit it, your body may respond as if the threat is happening again.
Stress hormones: Cortisol and adrenaline can spike during intense sessions, leaving you shaky, tense, or drained.
Stored tension: Old aches, gut distress, or headaches can surface when past pain is released.
Common “Therapy Hangover” Symptoms
Fatigue or low energy
Muscle tightness or headaches
Stomach upset
Mood swings or irritability
Sleep or appetite changes
These responses are common — and usually temporary. But if every session leaves you destabilized, it’s important to talk with your therapist about pacing.
How to Navigate Difficult Sessions
Plan recovery time: Give yourself 15–30 minutes to rest, walk, or journal after therapy.
Ground your body: Deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness help reset the nervous system.
Communicate: Tell your therapist how your body reacts so you can adjust the pace together.
Be gentle with yourself: Healing is physical as much as it is emotional. Go slowly.
Healing the Whole Self
Trauma lives in both body and mind. Feeling physically drained after a tough session isn’t a setback — it’s a signal that deep work is happening. Over time, your system learns safety, and the physical intensity often lessens. Therapy isn’t only about insight — it’s about teaching the whole body how to heal.