Is Trauma Really Stored in the Body? New Science for Play Therapists

Send us Fan MailIs trauma actually "stored" in our organs, or have we been looking at it all wrong?For years, play therapists have repeated the mantra that "trauma is stored in the body," but a groundbreaking 2026 peer-reviewed article is challenging this foundational belief. If you’ve ever felt like the "storage" explanation didn't quite click, this episode is for you.Join me, Cathi Spooner, for this week’s podcast as we explore the evolution of trauma research and what it means for your playroom interventions. We’re diving deep into the science of Predictive Coding and Metastability to understand why the autonomic nervous system actually activates during traumatic triggers.In this episode, we’ll explore:The "Storage" Myth: Why trauma is likely a "disorder of prediction," not physical storage in organs.Predictive Coding 101: How the brain-body feedback loop assesses danger before conscious awareness.Healing Through "Flow": How flow states and high-challenge activities can disrupt rigid neural patterns.Smarter Psychoeducation: How to explain these complex shifts to parents and caregivers using clear, accurate language.As play therapists, staying current with evolving research is critical to providing the best care for traumatized children and teens. Let’s ground your approach in the latest science and move toward more effective, somatic-based regulation strategies.Don't forget to subscribe to Cathi Spooner - Renewing Hearts Training for weekly play therapy clinical tips!Citation:Kolter, S., Mannino, M., Fox, G., and Friston, K. (2026). The body does not keep the score: Trauma, predictive coding, and the restoration of metastability. Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience. doi.10.3389/fnsys.1812957#PlayTherapy #TraumaInformed #Neuroscience #PredictiveCoding #CathiSpooner #MentalHealthProfessionals #TraumaHealingJoin my free Facebook Community Play and Expressive Arts Therapy Playground.Check out my free resources for mental health professionals working with children, adolescents, and families who want to integrate play therapy and expressive arts into their clinical work. I work with individuals and agencies to develop successful strategies and meet the treatment needs of your child and adolescent clients and their families using play therapy & expressive arts.Contact me to schedule a free 30-minute video call if you're ready to level up your skills