As Self-Care Month kicks off in September, many individuals are reflecting on their habits and routines, yet for some, persistent emotional and behavioral patterns remain unchanged despite best efforts. Judith A. Swack, Ph.D., a biochemist, immunologist, and originator of the Healing from the Body Level Up™ (HBLU™) methodology, suggests that the root cause may lie in unconscious trauma that is imprinted in the body, not just the mind.
Dr. Swack, author of Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck, argues that traditional self-care strategies such as meditation, exercise, and understanding triggers often fall short because they do not address the layered structure of trauma. According to her research, trauma is stored in the body and organized in layers that require a more comprehensive approach than insight alone can provide. "Until trauma is cleared at the body level, it keeps repeating and you keep reacting," she explains. "That's why you can understand your trauma, and still feel stuck in it."
The implications of this perspective are significant for both individuals and the broader field of mental health. For business leaders and employees, unresolved trauma can manifest as self-sabotage, chronic stress, and impaired decision-making, affecting productivity and workplace relationships. Dr. Swack's methodology, which combines original research in the neuroscience of trauma with evidence-based energy psychology techniques, aims to clear trauma at the conscious, unconscious, body, and soul levels. This approach may offer a new pathway for those who have not found success with conventional therapies, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving quality of life.
Dr. Swack's work is gaining recognition, as her book recently received the 2026 Silver Medal Winner for Grief Books by the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR). To share her methods, she will host a "Clear Trauma Now Live Healing" webinar on Thursday evenings in September, starting September 3. These sessions are designed to demonstrate trauma healing in real time and teach participants how to apply the techniques themselves. Details are available at hblu.org/live-healing-experience.
For professionals and individuals alike, understanding the role of somatic trauma could be a game-changer. By addressing the physiological roots of emotional distress, Dr. Swack's methodology offers a potential solution for breaking free from cycles that have persisted despite conscious efforts to change. As the conversation around mental health evolves, integrating body-level approaches may become increasingly important for achieving lasting well-being.
