a moment of clarity

All things trauma healing …

One of my passions as a trauma therapist is educating others on how life experiences shape the nervous system, influence patterns of behavior, and impact our sense of self. In this blog, I share tools, concepts, and mind-body practices that support trauma recovery, emotional resilience, and deep, embodied healing.

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Trauma Therapy Happens in Phases—And Slower Really Is Faster

Trauma Therapy Happens in Phases—And Slower Really Is Faster

[6-min read] Learn how trauma therapy works using a 3-phase approach rooted in Somatic Experiencing (SE), IFS therapy, and EMDR. Discover why slower is faster when healing from trauma, and what real trauma-informed therapy looks like—whether you're seeking parts work, inner child healing, or a trauma therapist near you.

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What No One Tells You About Trauma
Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

What No One Tells You About Trauma

[5-min read] Trauma isn’t what happened to you—it’s what happened inside of you as a result. If you’ve ever felt stuck, shut down, anxious, or chronically overwhelmed, your nervous system might be holding onto more than you realize. This blog unpacks what trauma really is, why it gets stored in the body, and how somatic therapy helps you heal it at the root.

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Why Talking About Trauma Won’t Heal It—And Here’s What Does.
EMDR, Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay EMDR, Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

Why Talking About Trauma Won’t Heal It—And Here’s What Does.

[6-min read] You can’t think your way out of trauma—because trauma doesn’t live in the mind, it lives in the body. If you’ve been talking about the same wounds in therapy for years without feeling real change, this blog explains why that is—and what actually works when it comes to healing trauma at the root.

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Why Working with a Somatic Trauma Specialist Matters
EMDR, Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay EMDR, Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

Why Working with a Somatic Trauma Specialist Matters

[9-min read] Not all therapists are trained to treat trauma—because trauma healing isn’t just about being ‘trauma-informed.’ It requires specialized training, body-based approaches, and a deep understanding of how trauma lives in the nervous system. This blog explains why working with a somatic trauma specialist matters, what to look for, and how real healing actually happens.

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How to Make the Most of Somatic Therapy Sessions
Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

How to Make the Most of Somatic Therapy Sessions

[9-min read] Somatic therapy isn’t just about slowing down—it’s about unlocking the body’s wisdom to heal trauma at the root. This blog offers five powerful tips to help you get the most out of your somatic therapy sessions, from what to expect early on to how to care for yourself afterward. Whether you’re brand new or just want to deepen your practice, this is your guide to making each session truly transformative.

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How Trauma Impacts Your Body—And How Somatic Experiencing® Can Help
Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

How Trauma Impacts Your Body—And How Somatic Experiencing® Can Help

[6-min read] Unresolved trauma doesn’t just affect your emotions—it impacts your entire body. Chronic illness, inflammation, fatigue, and pain can all be signs that your nervous system is stuck in survival mode. This blog explores how trauma disrupts your physiology and how Somatic Experiencing® can gently restore balance and healing from the inside out.

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“Big T” vs. “Little t” Trauma: The Spectrum of Experiences
Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay Trauma Healing, Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

“Big T” vs. “Little t” Trauma: The Spectrum of Experiences

[6-min read] Not all trauma looks the same—some wounds are loud and obvious, while others are quiet and cumulative. This blog breaks down the difference between ‘Big T’ and ‘Little t’ trauma, how both impact the nervous system, and why Somatic Experiencing® is a powerful healing tool for every point on the trauma spectrum.

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Somatic Experiencing: Therapy for Nervous System Regulation
Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay Somatic Experiencing Clara Mackinlay

Somatic Experiencing: Therapy for Nervous System Regulation

[4-min read] If talk therapy hasn’t brought the relief you’re looking for, your body might be holding the key. Somatic Experiencing® is a gentle, body-based approach that helps regulate the nervous system, release stored trauma, and restore your natural capacity for calm and resilience. This blog explains how it works—and why it might be the missing piece in your healing journey.

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