Healing Trauma: How Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) Addresses Mental Health at the Source

Mental health trauma can leave lasting emotional, physical, and neurological effects. At Think Happy Live Healthy, we believe in addressing trauma not only through talk therapy or medication — but through full-spectrum care that considers the body-mind connection. One powerful, research-supported tool we offer is Neuro Emotional Technique (NET).

What Is Trauma?

According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is “any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning.”

But here’s what many people don’t realize: trauma lives in the body, not just the mind.

When the brain perceives a threat — even a subconscious or past one — the limbic system (our emotional brain) takes over, activating a fight-or-flight response. This can happen even if the “logical” part of your brain knows the threat is gone. That’s why trauma survivors often feel triggered, overwhelmed, or stuck — and why traditional talk therapy alone may not fully resolve the issue.

How Trauma Affects Daily Life

Untreated trauma can:

• Influence your identity and decision-making

• Lead to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress

• Cause you to avoid certain people, places, or situations

• Manifest as physical symptoms: tension, chronic pain, or fatigue

• Make it harder to regulate your emotions or connect in relationships

In my own experience, trauma shaped how I saw the world — and myself. It wasn’t until I understood how trauma was stored in my body that true healing began.

How to Recognize Stored Trauma in the Body

Awareness is the first step. Ask yourself:

• Do I clench my jaw, shoulders, or fists when stressed?

• Do I feel tension in certain areas without knowing why?

• Do I overreact to “small” triggers?

• Have I made life choices based on fear or avoidance?

A simple practice: close your eyes, take a deep breath, and scan your body. Notice where you feel tightness, pain, or discomfort. That’s your body trying to speak to you.

What Is Neuro Emotional Technique (NET)?

Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) is a holistic, evidence-based intervention that helps release stored emotional trauma in the body. It works by:

• Identifying unresolved emotional stress (known as Neuro Emotional Complexes)

• Using muscle testing and biofeedback to locate where trauma is stored in the body

• Releasing these emotional blockages, restoring balance and calm

At Think Happy Live Healthy, we incorporate NET into our full-spectrum mental health services — from therapy and psychiatry to lifestyle care. This integrative approach is what sets us apart as a top-rated therapy practice in Northern Virginia.

What the Research Says

A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship explored NET’s effects on the brain in cancer patients experiencing traumatic stress. Functional MRI scans showed that after just two weeks of NET, patients exhibited significantly reduced stress responses when reminded of their trauma. (Read the study here.)

Personal Experience: Healing Through NET

As a licensed therapist at Think Happy Live Healthy, I’ve experienced the healing power of NET personally — and in my work with clients. In as little as 1–2 sessions, many individuals report:

• A neutral response to old triggers

• Greater emotional resilience

• Reduced anxiety and panic

• An overall sense of lightness and clarity

Every body holds trauma differently. NET allows us to release it where it lives — in the nervous system — so real healing can begin.

Book a Session Today

If you're ready to explore a powerful, body-based trauma therapy that goes beyond traditional talk therapy, schedule your Neuro Emotional Technique session today at Think Happy Live Healthy.

Located in Falls Church and Ashburn, VA, we offer in-person and telehealth therapy options for individuals, teens, and adults. You don’t have to live with the weight of trauma. Support and healing are within reach.

👉 Request an Appointment

 👉 Questions? Contact us at info@thinkhappylivehealthy.com

Author:

Sarah Albanawi, Resident in Counseling

Sarah utilizes Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness, Brief focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and has basic training in Neuroemotional Technique (NET).