Trauma affects more than just the mind—it leaves an imprint on the body, influencing both physical and emotional well-being. According to Shara Turner, Clinical Director at Sabino Recovery, understanding and addressing this mind-body connection is essential for sustainable healing. At Sabino, the focus is on treating the whole person by using trauma-informed care and innovative modalities that help clients reconnect with and regulate their bodies.
Trauma’s Physical Impact
When trauma occurs, it disrupts the brain’s ability to function normally. Turner explains, “During a traumatic event, the brain’s executive functioning shuts down, leaving the body in a heightened state of fight, flight, or freeze.” Even after the event ends, the nervous system may remain stuck in survival mode, leading to chronic dysregulation. This can manifest as anxiety, hypervigilance, or even physical symptoms like fatigue and muscle tension.
“Trauma doesn’t have to be a catastrophic event. Even subtle, repeated experiences like being dismissed or shamed can shape how we cope with life. We help clients understand these experiences, process them, and develop healthier ways to respond.”
Turner emphasizes that trauma is not solely a psychological issue. “People often stop paying attention to their body’s signals. They disconnect from the sensations in their body because they’ve learned to distrust them,” she shares. This disconnection is where many maladaptive coping behaviors—such as substance abuse, overeating, or chronic anxiety—originate. Individuals unknowingly attempt to regulate their nervous systems through these behaviors, often with harmful consequences.
Building Trust and Rapport
A significant barrier for trauma survivors is trust. Many enter treatment with defensive mindsets due to past experiences. At Sabino, building rapport is a top priority. Turner hires staff not just for clinical expertise but for their ability to connect with clients through empathy and compassion. “People who are struggling with trauma need to feel safe enough to lower their defenses,” she says. “It’s about creating a culture where they can trust us enough to engage in the healing process.”
This trust leads to powerful transformations. Turner recounts the story of a young woman who arrived at Sabino in a state of anger and resistance. Over time, she allowed herself to engage with the process, staying longer than planned and experiencing profound personal growth. “Willingness and trust go a long way,” Turner reflects. “We can’t force anyone to heal, but when they open up to the process, amazing things can happen.”
Holistic and Personalized Care at Sabino
Sabino Recovery adopts a holistic approach to trauma treatment. As Turner explains, “Holistic to me means treating the whole person. We can’t just give someone a diagnosis, prescribe medication, and expect them to be fine. We need to address their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs.”
Sabino offers a range of therapies tailored to each individual. These include eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), somatic experiencing, equine therapy, and neurofeedback. Turner stresses the importance of finding the right fit for each client: “Two people can walk in with similar traumas, but they won’t resonate with the same treatment. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.”
Additionally, Sabino integrates practices to enhance neuroplasticity—retraining the brain to create healthier neural pathways. Nutrition, sleep studies, mindfulness, and exercise all play crucial roles in supporting this process. “We aim to create new, functional behaviors that can be sustained long after clients leave treatment,” says Turner.
Sustaining Recovery Beyond Treatment
True healing doesn’t end when clients leave Sabino. Turner highlights the importance of continued care: “Families often think treatment will ‘fix’ someone, but the work must continue after they leave. It’s about creating lasting change through repetition.” Sabino develops individualized aftercare plans that involve the family, ensuring clients have the support they need to maintain their progress.
Resources and Expertise
Sabino’s trauma-informed approach draws on insights from leading experts like Peter Levine and Bessel van der Kolk. Turner is particularly inspired by Levine’s work on somatic experiencing, which helps clients reconnect with their body’s natural ability to heal. Additionally, Sabino incorporates other evidence-based models such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to provide clients with practical tools for self-regulation.
For anyone struggling with trauma, Turner offers a message of hope: “Don’t minimize your experiences. Trauma, whether big or small, can shape your life in profound ways. There are resources and compassionate professionals ready to help. You don’t have to suffer in silence.”
At Sabino Recovery, healing trauma means addressing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. With innovative treatment modalities, compassionate care, and a commitment to long-term support, Sabino empowers clients to reclaim their lives and move forward with resilience and strength.
