The concept of somatic healing is something I’ve talked about and will keep talking about. One reason for this is the reality that we live in a culture that likes to talk about a mind-body connection.

Look up the word “somatic,” and most often, you’ll find it defined as “of or relating to the body.” Therefore, on the surface, this can appear to contradict the concept of a mental illness.

Emotional distress and mental illness can manifest in so many different ways. Each person and each situation is different — so much so that we sometimes can’t discern what is and isn’t a symptom.

Most of us will endure at least one traumatic event in our lives — about 70 percent of us, in fact. Trauma is common; it’s a major challenge, and it must be addressed.

More than half of the people in the world will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives. What constitutes trauma can differ from person to person.

Ideally, we’d all be raised in an environment that offers safety, nurturing, and reliable support. To grow up in a foundation like this enables a child to grow up with a secure attachment style.

Conversations about trauma were once quite rare. Over time, with the initial focus on returning soldiers, this topic has gained greater awareness.

About 70 percent of American adults have endured at least one traumatic event in their life. Think about it. Almost everyone you know has been impacted in a variety of ways.