Chapter 9: Resolving Trauma

Whether it’s an event that’s big (like a death) or smaller (like a broken arm), the depth of trauma depends on the emotional context in which we process that event. Traumatic events can stick with us for life, triggering emotional reactions that prevent us from being the best version of ourselves, which ultimately leads to not getting the things that we want. In this audio book chapter (Chapter 9) of Composure: The Art of Executive Presence, author Kate Purmal reveals some specific symptoms of trauma, as well as how to use somatic awareness of trauma to resolve issues that live in the mind and body. When trauma is resolved, our bodies no longer overact to situations that were previously considered threatening, thus allowing us to respond in a more composed manner.