For many, self-care routines like meditation and exercise are staples of modern life. Yet, despite these efforts, people often find themselves repeating the same emotional and behavioral patterns. According to Judith A. Swack, Ph.D., a biochemist, immunologist, and author of “Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck,” the culprit may be unconscious trauma-related patterns that are imprinted in the body, not just the mind.
In recognition of Self-Care Month this September, Dr. Swack is drawing attention to a deeper dimension of self-care: addressing the physiological roots of trauma. She explains that trauma is structured in layers that most conventional approaches do not address, and it cannot be released by insight alone. “Until trauma is cleared at the body level, it keeps repeating and you keep reacting,” she says. “That’s why you can understand your trauma, and still feel stuck in it.”
This perspective challenges the common assumption that awareness and cognitive understanding are sufficient for change. Dr. Swack’s original research into the structure of trauma suggests that emotional and physical reactions can occur even when an individual consciously knows they are safe. These unconscious patterns can lead to self-sabotage, undermining the best intentions to live differently.
Dr. Swack is the originator of the Healing from the Body Level Up™ (HBLU™) methodology, a comprehensive system designed to clear trauma at the conscious, unconscious, body, and soul levels. Her approach integrates her scientific background with clinical practice, aiming to identify and clear the root patterns that drive distress. The methodology is detailed in her book, which recently won the 2026 Silver Medal for Grief Books from the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR).
To demonstrate the potential of this approach, Dr. Swack is hosting a “Clear Trauma Now Live Healing” webinar series on Thursday evenings in September, beginning September 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. EDT, and continuing on September 10, 17, and 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EDT. Participants can experience trauma healing in real time and learn techniques to apply themselves. More information is available at hblu.org/live-healing-experience.
The implications of Dr. Swack’s work are significant for the field of mental health. If trauma is indeed stored in the body, then talk therapy and cognitive interventions may have limitations. This could explain why many individuals do not achieve lasting change despite significant effort. Dr. Swack’s research and methodology offer a potential path for those who have not found success with traditional approaches.
As self-care continues to be a popular topic, Dr. Swack’s message is a reminder that true well-being may require looking beyond surface-level strategies. By addressing the body’s role in holding trauma, individuals might finally break free from patterns that have kept them stuck.
