As Self-Care Month unfolds this September, many will focus on managing stress and carving out time for relaxation. But Judith A. Swack, Ph.D., a biochemist, immunologist, and author of "Clear Trauma Now: The Powerful Solution for Getting Unstuck," suggests that true self-care may require addressing a deeper, often overlooked factor: unresolved trauma that keeps people trapped in recurring patterns.
According to Dr. Swack, even when individuals understand their triggers and genuinely desire change, unconscious trauma-related patterns can override conscious intentions. This happens because trauma is not solely a mental phenomenon. "Trauma imprints in the body, not just the mind," she explains. "It is structured in layers that most approaches don't address, and it cannot be released by insight alone." This bodily imprinting can cause emotional and physical reactions even in safe situations, leading to self-sabotage and a sense of being stuck.
Dr. Swack's research into the neuroscience of trauma reveals that trauma is stored in a complex, layered manner. Traditional therapeutic approaches often focus on cognitive understanding, but they may miss the somatic and energetic components. "Until trauma is cleared at the body level, it keeps repeating and you keep reacting," says Dr. Swack. "That's why you can understand your trauma, and still feel stuck in it."
To address this, Dr. Swack developed the Healing from the Body Level Up (HBLU™) methodology, a comprehensive system designed to clear trauma at the conscious, unconscious, body, and soul levels. This approach integrates evidence-based energy psychology techniques with a deep understanding of the body's role in trauma storage. By working on multiple levels, HBLU™ aims to resolve the root patterns that drive emotional and physical distress, often in just a few sessions.
The significance of this work is underscored by the recent recognition of "Clear Trauma Now" as the 2026 Silver Medal Winner for Grief Books by the Coalition of Visionary Resources (COVR). The book details the healing practices Dr. Swack pioneered, offering readers a pathway to break free from the cycles that self-care alone cannot touch.
Dr. Swack emphasizes that deeper self-care involves recognizing when we need to clear trauma, not just manage symptoms. She will present a "Clear Trauma Now Live Healing" webinar on Thursday evenings in September—Sept. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Sept. 10, 17, and 24 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. EDT. These sessions offer an opportunity to experience trauma healing in real time and learn techniques to use independently. For details, visit hblu.org/live-healing-experience.
Dr. Swack's work is particularly relevant for those who have tried traditional approaches without success. Her methodology has been taught to professionals worldwide, and she continues to help clients who have not found relief elsewhere. By addressing the body-level imprints of trauma, she offers a new avenue for those seeking to break free from persistent patterns.
As Self-Care Month prompts reflection on well-being, Dr. Swack's insights challenge us to consider whether our self-care routines are sufficient. If you find yourself repeating the same emotional or behavioral cycles despite your best efforts, the issue may not be a lack of willpower or understanding, but rather unresolved trauma that demands a different kind of attention.
