
5 Step Somatic Exercise to Rebuild Self-Trust After Trauma
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Healing childhood trauma requires reconnecting with your inner child and establishing self-trust, here I give a 5 step somatic process to do just that.

This week I’m thinking about somatic (body) ways to heal childhood trauma. As Bessel van de Kolk put it, when it comes to trauma the body really does keep the score, and this makes it the perfect tool for healing fast.
One thing that I see time and again with clients impacted by childhood trauma is a deep lack of self-trust. This is often due to years of gaslighting in their family home, being told what they feel and think isn’t right. Does this sound familiar?
Building self-trust is the start of our healing journey. When we trust in our decisions and our intuition we take back control of our lives, reclaiming the power often stripped away from us in childhood.
That’s why we need to reconnect with our inner child, and give them the reassurance they need to know they can trust in our adult self. Below I give a simple and effective somatic exercise to do just that.
5-Step Exercise to Rebuild Self-Trust
1. Find a quiet space. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed or gently gazing downward. Create an environment where you feel safe and undisturbed.
2. Tune into your body. Bring your awareness to the sensations in your body. Notice any tension, for instance, perhaps you feel a tension in your arm, or some jitters in your tummy, or tightness in your shoulders or chest.
3. Listen to the sensation. Ask the sensation what it would like to say, be patient and open to whatever arises. This is your inner child communicating with you.
4. Offer reassurance. Tell the sensation how old you are now, and gently remind it that you are an adult and here to take care of them. Let your inner child know they are safe with you.
5. Respond with Love. Listen to what your body wants to tell you and respond with what you think it needs to hear (for instance, some phrases I’ve noticed in my practice are “you are not alone”, “I am with you”, “I am taking care of you now”, “I trust you and I believe you”).
The Power of ReparentingThis process of healing and reparenting is a cornerstone of the work I do with my clients. Using somatic techniques like this exercise, along with approaches such Internal Family Systems and Brainspotting, I guide clients to reconnect with their inner child and repair that self-trust.
Final ThoughtsTrust is a gift we give ourselves first. Cultivating inner trust creates a foundation for healthy, loving relationships and an empowered life. It’s a journey, yes—but one that leads to the love and connection we all deserve.
If you’re ready to start building self-trust and healing after complex trauma, I’d love to support you on this journey. Book a free consultation today and let’s get started.
Author - Rosie Fox | Somatic & Trauma-Informed Coach
International Coaching Federation, Certificate in Counselling, Brainspotting UK
You can heal your past and reclaim your life