A Professional’s Guide to Somatic Awareness, Movement Techniques, and Nervous System Regulation
Updated: Apr 7
In Trauma-Informed Bodywork, authors Chelsea Haverly and Emily Young explore how trauma is stored in the body and why movement-based, consent-driven practices are essential for healing. Blending insights on nervous system regulation and trauma-informed business, the book also connects readers to further learning through Hope Ignited Training.
What are people saying about Trauma-Informed Bodywork?
“A beautiful, tangible, and compassionate trauma-informed guide for movement and healing professionals, and a breathtaking reminder that we are all worthy of moving our bodies for joy instead of punishment. Grounded in evidence-based research, nervous system physiology, somatics, embodied movement frameworks, and personal lived experiences, Chelsea and Emily offer empowering reminders for finding our way back home to ourselves. A must-read for fitness and mental health professionals who are passionate about trauma-informed space holding, inclusive business practices, and integrating holistic pathways to healing into the scope of their work.” – Zabie Yamasaki, M.Ed., RYT, Author of Trauma-Informed Yoga for Survivors of Sexual Assault: Practices for Healing and Teaching with Compassion
“Trauma-Informed Bodywork is a thoroughly researched, generous, and digestible book. Like a great coach, it teaches movement professionals the fundamentals of trauma-informed movement practices, cues them to consider how to apply the principles appropriately for their business and clientele, and supports them in creating a holistic and trauma-informed professional practice. It's an essential read for fitness and movement professionals.” – Laura Khoudari, author of Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time
Trauma-Informed Bodywork is available in print and eBook formats at major bookstores and online retailers on March 31, 2026. Visit Trauma-Informed Bodywork for more information and to order your copy today. For international ordering, visit Penguin Random House.
About the authors
Chelsea Haverly, LCSW-C, is a somatic therapist and intuitive bodyworker dedicated to the intersection of healing, movement, and community care. She is the co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Personal Training Certification and the Embodied Parts Integration Framework. Chelsea is guided by curiosity, with a wanderer’s heart and a deep reverence for the healing journey. As a mother raising two strong-willed children with her life partner, she is personally devoted to healing intergenerational patterns of hurt and supporting others in doing the same.
Chelsea thrives in collaborative spaces, especially those enriched by deep thinkers and feelers. She’s an avid reader and nature lover who is fiercely committed to slow mornings and joyful rest practices that nourish the nervous system and invite delight.
Emily Young, LCSW-C, is a Trauma-Informed Personal Trainer, Somatic Grief and Trauma Therapist, and the owner of The Embodied Trainer. Through her work, she helps individuals reconnect with their bodies using movement, nervous system attunement, and trauma-responsive practices. With the understanding that trauma is often held in the body, Emily supports clients in cultivating safety, choice, and agency while addressing both the emotional and physiological impacts of trauma.
She is also the co-author of Trauma-Informed Bodywork and the co-creator of the Trauma-Informed Personal Training Certification. In this role, she trains and mentors movement professionals who want to understand how trauma shapes physiology, behavior, and one’s relationship to movement, as well as how to support clients with care, nuance, and respect.
Emily’s work blends Somatic Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and strength training to create a grounded, relational, and healing-centered approach to movement.
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