Why Do Therapists Ask You Where You Feel Things in Your Body?

When you sit down with a therapist, you may notice they ask questions like: “Where do you feel that in your body?” or “What sensations come up when you talk about this?” At first, this might seem unusual — why not just talk about thoughts and feelings? But these questions are an important part of reconnecting with yourself and your nervous system.

Trauma and the Mind-Body Disconnect

When we go through overwhelming or traumatic experiences, our bodies often find ways to protect us. One of those ways is to disconnect from what we’re feeling — a survival response that can keep us safe in the moment.

Over time, though, this protective response can lead to:

• Dissociation or feeling “numb”

• Racing thoughts or constant worry

• A pounding heartbeat or tight chest

• Knee-jerk reactions or avoidance behaviors

In these moments, the nervous system may be “stuck” in survival mode — fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. While these states are helpful in true danger, they can get triggered even in everyday situations, leaving us on edge, overwhelmed, or disconnected.

Why Focus on the Body?

Our bodies often hold onto experiences long after our minds try to move on. By paying attention to sensations — like tightness in your shoulders, fluttering in your stomach, or heaviness in your chest — you begin to notice how your nervous system is responding.

This practice helps you:

• Feel emotions more fully instead of pushing them away

• Understand the signals behind your thoughts and reactions

• Rebuild the connection between your brain and body

• Reestablish a sense of safety and grounding in the present moment

  
  

How This Supports Healing

By gently noticing sensations in your body, you begin to create space for curiosity instead of judgment. This awareness is the first step toward healing past experiences and gaining new tools to regulate your emotions.

Over time, you may find yourself:

• Feeling more embodied and connected to yourself

• Gaining supportive strategies to calm your nervous system

• Moving from automatic reactions toward intentional choices

• Experiencing more peace, resilience, and balance in daily life

  
  

Final Thoughts

So, when a therapist asks you where you feel something in your body, it isn’t just a passing question. It’s an invitation - to listen, to notice, and to reconnect with yourself in a way that supports true healing.

Julie Warkentin (she/her),

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)

Altruity Therapy, Abbotsford, BC

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