From a State of Authenticity to Adaptive Roles and Back: Navigating Trauma's Impact on the Authentic Self

By, Luuk L. Westerhof, MSc 

Abstract

Trauma profoundly impacts self-identity, often compelling individuals to transition from their innate state of authenticity to adaptive roles that ensure psychological survival. This paper explores the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underpinning this shift, emphasizing the role of attachment theory, polyvagal regulation, and structural dissociation. By integrating somatic therapies, narrative interventions, and attachment-based approaches, therapists can facilitate the restoration of an individual’s authentic self. The discussion highlights the limitations of purely cognitive therapeutic interventions, advocating for a multidimensional approach that addresses both explicit and implicit trauma processing. Case studies and contemporary research underscore the efficacy of body-based interventions in reintegrating fragmented aspects of self and fostering resilience. Ultimately, this paper provides a framework for understanding the interplay between trauma, adaptive roles, and therapeutic strategies that support long-term healing and identity reconstruction.

Keywords

Trauma, adaptive roles, authentic self, somatic therapy, attachment theory, polyvagal theory, dissociation, neurobiology, self-regulation, and identity formation.

Introduction

A foundational assumption is that humans are inherently endowed with kindness, goodness, love, creativity, and the ability to develop clarity, calmness, curiosity, creativity, and establish healthy interpersonal connections. These foundational states define our authentic selves, representing a sense of wholeness, emotional attunement, and connection to self and others. However, when individuals experience trauma, attachment disruptions, or inappropriate parenting, these innate states can become obscured. In response, individuals often transition from a state of authenticity to a role—a learned behavioral adaptation designed to ensure safety, acceptance, or stability in a challenging environment. While these roles serve as protective mechanisms, they can also create a distance from one's true self. Recent research has highlighted how prolonged engagement in adaptive roles can lead to disruptions in self-identity and emotional regulation (Smith et al., 2023; Johnson & Lee, 2024). Understanding this interplay between state and role is crucial for therapists aiming to help clients restore their authentic selves by integrating approaches that focus on nervous system regulation and self-awareness (Gonzalez et al., 2024).

Transition from State to Role

Trauma disrupts the natural development of the authentic self by interfering with the formation of a stable identity and emotional regulation. From a neurobiological perspective, repeated exposure to stress and adversity can alter the brain's stress response systems, particularly in the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex (Siegel, 2023). These changes contribute to heightened vigilance, emotional dysregulation, and difficulties integrating self-experiences.

In response to overwhelming experiences, individuals often transition from an innate state of authenticity to an adaptive role as a means of psychological survival. According to attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988), insecure attachment patterns can lead to the internalization of roles that serve to maintain proximity to caregivers or to minimize relational conflict. For instance, a child who experiences neglect may adopt a caregiver role, suppressing their own needs to gain acceptance or avoid rejection. Similarly, a child subjected to inconsistent caregiving may develop a hyper-independent or perfectionist role to secure safety.

While these roles are functional in traumatic contexts, they can become maladaptive when they persist beyond their necessity, leading to chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and identity diffusion. Structural dissociation theory (Nijenhuis et al., 2010) further explains how prolonged trauma can lead to a fragmentation of self, where adaptive roles become rigid and automatic, making it difficult for individuals to access their core self. This results in a cycle of disconnection, reinforcing the divide between the individual's authentic state and their protective role.

Recognizing Roles as Adaptive Coping Mechanisms

Therapists must reframe these roles not as symptoms of dysfunction but as evidence of the individual's resilience and adaptability. From a psychological perspective, attachment theory (Bowlby, 1988) suggests that early relational experiences shape self-organization, influencing whether an individual remains in an authentic state or transitions into an adaptive role. When secure attachment is disrupted by trauma, children often internalize roles that maximize safety, such as the caretaker, the overachiever, or the peacemaker.

Neurobiologically, Siegel (2023) explains that prolonged exposure to stress alters brain function, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, reinforcing these protective roles as habitual patterns. Over time, these roles become entrenched, making it difficult for individuals to differentiate between their true selves and their trauma-informed adaptations. By acknowledging the protective purpose these roles have served, therapists can validate the client's experiences, reducing feelings of shame or inadequacy. This perspective fosters a therapeutic environment where clients feel understood and empowered to gradually disengage from rigid roles and reconnect with their authentic selves.

The Impact of Trauma on the Authentic Self

Trauma often leads to fragmentation, causing individuals to disconnect from their visceral sensations and, consequently, their sense of self and safety. This disruption can significantly impact identity formation, leading to the internalization of rigid roles that serve as protective mechanisms. Structural dissociation theory (Nijenhuis et al., 2010) explains how chronic trauma can result in the compartmentalization of self-states, where different aspects of identity become dissociated to manage overwhelming stress.

This disconnection can manifest as numbness, dissociation, or a chronic state of hyperarousal, often making it difficult for individuals to access and integrate their authentic selves. When dissociation occurs, the nervous system partitions traumatic memories and emotional responses, creating a functional split that reinforces adaptive roles. For example, an individual who experienced childhood neglect may develop a caretaker role as a means of gaining validation while simultaneously dissociating from their own needs and vulnerabilities. Over time, this dissociation can contribute to identity diffusion, where the individual struggles to reconcile their trauma-adapted self with their true self.

The body's natural responses become dysregulated, making it challenging for individuals to trust their internal experiences. Therapeutic interventions that address dissociation, such as somatic therapies and trauma-focused approaches, can help clients reintegrate fragmented states and gradually restore a cohesive sense of identity.

Reconnecting with the Body: The Role of Somatic Therapies

To facilitate healing, therapists can employ somatic approaches that emphasize reconnection with the body. Somatic therapies focus on increasing awareness of bodily sensations, promoting self-regulation, and integrating traumatic memories. Techniques such as body awareness, grounding, and centering help clients reconnect with their physical selves, fostering a sense of safety and presence.

For example, consider the case of Anna, a 38-year-old woman who, as a child, assumed a caregiving role for her emotionally unavailable mother. Throughout adulthood, she continued to prioritize others' needs over her own, leading to chronic exhaustion and a sense of emotional emptiness. Through somatic therapy, Anna gradually became aware of how her body held tension from years of self-neglect. Grounding techniques and mindful movement allowed her to release stored stress and develop a deeper sense of self-compassion. Over time, she learned to set boundaries and recognize her authentic needs, marking a significant shift from an adaptive role back to her true self. These methods empower individuals like Anna to process trauma stored in the body, facilitating a return to their authentic state.

Polyvagal Theory: Understanding Neurophysiological Responses to Trauma

Polyvagal theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers insight into the neurophysiological responses to trauma. It posits that the autonomic nervous system has three hierarchical states: the ventral vagal (social engagement), sympathetic (fight or flight), and dorsal vagal (shutdown or freeze). Trauma can cause individuals to become stuck in the sympathetic or dorsal vagal states, leading to chronic stress responses (Porges, 2011).

Neuroscientific research indicates that chronic activation of the dorsal vagal system can contribute to feelings of numbness, dissociation, and social withdrawal (Dana, 2020). Individuals in this state may struggle to engage in social relationships or regulate their emotions effectively. Understanding this framework allows therapists to tailor interventions that promote autonomic regulation, aiding clients toward safety and connection.

Co-regulation techniques are essential in guiding individuals out of dorsal vagal states and into greater physiological and emotional flexibility. Guided breathwork, for instance, helps regulate the nervous system by slowing the breath and signaling safety to the brain (Sullivan et al., 2023). Safe social engagement exercises include maintaining eye contact, using prosodic vocal tones, incorporating gentle touch, activating the ventral vagal complex, and encouraging relational safety and trust (Dana & Porges, 2022). Additionally, movement-based interventions like rocking, swaying, or rhythmic activities have been found to support nervous system activation in a controlled and therapeutic manner (Gonzalez & Lee, 2024). These techniques provide a structured pathway for clients to gradually exit survival states and re-engage with their environment in a regulated embodied way.

Understanding this framework allows therapists to tailor interventions that promote autonomic regulation, aiding clients toward safety and connection. Co-regulation techniques are particularly effective for individuals trapped in dorsal vagal states, as these interventions leverage relational and sensory cues to re-establish nervous system equilibrium (Dana & Porges, 2022).

Guided breathwork, such as diaphragmatic breathing and extended exhalation techniques, helps regulate the nervous system by stimulating the vagus nerve, thereby reducing physiological shutdown responses (Sullivan et al., 2023). Research has shown that slow, deep breathing can enhance heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of autonomic flexibility and improved emotional regulation (Porges, 2021).

Safe social engagement exercises, including maintaining eye contact, using prosodic vocal tones, and incorporating gentle touch, activate the ventral vagal complex and encourage relational safety and trust (Dana, 2020). These techniques are particularly beneficial for trauma survivors who have learned to suppress social connection as a protective mechanism. Studies indicate that guided relational attunement with a therapist can enhance autonomic regulation, leading to greater affective resilience and emotional stability (Gonzalez & Lee, 2024).

Movement-based interventions, such as rocking, swaying, and rhythmic activities like drumming or bilateral stimulation, have also been found to support nervous system activation in a controlled and therapeutic manner (Perry & Szalavitz, 2023). These approaches facilitate a sense of embodied safety, allowing clients to gradually exit survival states and re-engage with their environment in a regulated, integrated way. Additionally, polyvagal-informed therapeutic approaches emphasize the use of co-regulation within the therapeutic relationship to create a scaffolded return to ventral vagal engagement, reinforcing self-trust and emotional flexibility (Schore, 2023).

Therapeutic Approaches to Reconnecting with the Authentic Self

Several therapeutic modalities can assist clients in reconnecting with their authentic selves. However, some clients may struggle to embrace their authentic selves due to long-standing protective adaptations developed in response to trauma. Resistance to change is often rooted in fear of vulnerability, losing control, or the unknown (Schore, 2023). The process of shedding protective roles can evoke deep-seated anxiety, as these roles have historically provided a sense of stability and security.

Therapist-client dynamics play a crucial role in navigating this resistance. Establishing a secure therapeutic alliance based on attunement and trust is essential for facilitating change (Siegel, 2023). Therapists can use techniques such as titration, a method from Somatic Experiencing that allows clients to process trauma in small, manageable increments, reducing overwhelm and reinforcing safety (Levine, 2010). Additionally, narrative therapy techniques can help clients externalize their protective roles and view them as adaptive responses rather than fixed identities (White & Epston, 1990). By integrating these approaches, therapists can support clients in gradually relinquishing maladaptive roles and re-engaging with their authentic selves in a safe and empowering manner.

• Somatic Experiencing (SE): Developed by Peter Levine, SE is a body-oriented therapeutic approach that helps clients process and release trauma by focusing on bodily sensations.

The core principle of SE is that trauma is stored in the nervous system and can be gradually released through mindful awareness and controlled discharge of survival energy (Levine, 2010). Rather than revisiting traumatic memories in detail, SE encourages clients to track their physiological responses, allowing the body to complete interrupted fight, flight, or freeze responses (Leitch et al., 2022).

SE utilizes techniques such as pendulation—moving between a regulated and dysregulated state—to increase nervous system flexibility and promote resilience (Payne et al., 2015). Additionally, titration, the process of introducing small amounts of traumatic material incrementally, prevents clients from becoming overwhelmed while processing distressing experiences. Research has shown that SE can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, particularly in populations with chronic or developmental trauma (Brom et al., 2017).

By guiding clients to become aware of their internal experiences and physiological shifts, SE helps restore self-regulation and resilience, allowing individuals to reconnect with their authentic selves without being overwhelmed by past trauma.

• Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: This approach integrates gentle yoga practices to help individuals safely reconnect with their bodies. Trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY) is designed to accommodate the unique needs of trauma survivors by emphasizing interoception, choice-making, and non-coercive movement (Emerson & Hopper, 2011). Unlike traditional yoga, TSY removes hierarchical instruction and encourages individuals to choose how they engage with movement, fostering a sense of agency and self-trust (van der Kolk, 2014).

Research has shown that TSY can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve emotional regulation by strengthening the connection between body and mind (Mitchell et al., 2022). The emphasis on breath awareness and gentle, rhythmic movement supports autonomic regulation by shifting individuals from hyperaroused or dissociative states toward greater physiological balance (West et al., 2023). Additionally, TSY fosters self-compassion and embodiment by allowing individuals to engage in a nonjudgmental, exploratory movement without performance-based expectations (Parker et al., 2021).

By prioritizing autonomy and present-moment awareness, trauma-sensitive yoga provides a structured yet flexible method for trauma survivors to reclaim a sense of safety and connection within their bodies, promoting long-term healing and resilience.

• Authentic Movement: Originating from dance therapy, authentic movement is a practice that encourages individuals to explore spontaneous movements while being witnessed by a facilitator. This process fosters a deeper connection with inner experiences and emotions by allowing nonverbal expression of unconscious material (Adler, 2002).

Rooted in in-depth psychology and somatic therapy, authentic movement is based on the principle that bodily movement can serve as a bridge between conscious and unconscious processes. Research has shown that engaging in spontaneous movement within a safe, therapeutic space can help individuals process trauma, release stored emotions, and increase interoceptive awareness (Whitehouse et al., 1999). Through movement, individuals may access suppressed memories or emotional states that are difficult to articulate verbally, allowing for integrative healing (Payne et al., 2015).

Studies suggest that authentic movement can be particularly effective for trauma survivors experiencing dissociation, as it fosters embodiment and reconnection with physical sensations in a non-coercive manner (Levine, 2010). The practice also aligns with polyvagal-informed approaches, emphasizing safety, self-expression, and the regulation of nervous systems (Dana, 2020).

Therapists who incorporate authentic movement often use mirroring techniques and guided reflection to help clients integrate their experiences into conscious awareness, reinforcing a sense of agency and self-acceptance.

Addressing Fatigue and Promoting Self-Compassion

The maintenance of adaptive roles can lead to significant emotional and physical fatigue as individuals continuously suppress their needs to maintain learned survival patterns. This chronic exhaustion is often accompanied by burnout, a diminished sense of self, and difficulty experiencing genuine rest or pleasure (Neff & Germer, 2018). Therapists should acknowledge this exhaustion as a natural consequence of prolonged hypervigilance and self-sacrifice rather than a personal failing.

Encouraging self-compassion is critical in this process, as research suggests that self-compassion practices can reduce shame, improve emotional resilience, and foster self-acceptance (Gilbert, 2020). Therapists can guide clients toward greater self-compassion through mindfulness-based interventions, compassionate self-talk exercises, and reflective journaling (Kirby et al., 2019). Furthermore, somatic practices such as progressive muscle relaxation and restorative yoga can help clients develop a deeper connection with their bodies and promote nervous system regulation (Porges, 2021).

By recognizing the immense energy required to uphold these roles, clients can begin to appreciate their resilience and consider relinquishing roles that no longer serve them. This shift often involves grieving the loss of familiar coping mechanisms while embracing a new, more authentic way of being. Therapists can support this transition by creating a safe space for clients to process their fears, reinforcing their capacity for change, and celebrating small steps toward self-reclamation (Siegel, 2023).

Discussion

The therapeutic journey from adaptive roles back to the authentic self is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. One central challenge in trauma recovery is the resistance that individuals often experience when attempting to relinquish protective adaptations. Research indicates that trauma survivors frequently develop deep-seated fears surrounding vulnerability, as adaptive roles have historically ensured their emotional or physical safety (Schore, 2023).

An essential component of this transition is the role of neuroplasticity in reshaping self-perception and identity. Studies show that repeated engagement in new relational and somatic experience patterns can rewire neural pathways, promoting greater emotional flexibility and resilience (Siegel, 2023). This underscores the importance of consistent therapeutic intervention integrating body-based practices with cognitive and emotional processing.

Additionally, the therapist-client dynamic is instrumental in facilitating change. Secure attachment in therapy provides a corrective relational experience that challenges maladaptive relational schemas developed in childhood (Bowlby, 1988; Siegel, 2023). Therapists employing trauma-sensitive approaches must balance validating a client’s adaptive roles while gently encouraging new self-exploration. This process requires patience, as clients may cycle between states of engagement and retreat before fully embracing their authentic selves.

Another key discussion point is the effectiveness of integrating multiple modalities. Trauma is a multifaceted experience that affects the nervous system, cognitive processes, and relational patterns, necessitating a multidimensional approach to healing. While somatic therapies such as Somatic Experiencing (Levine, 2010) and trauma-sensitive yoga (Emerson & Hopper, 2011) have been found to improve physiological regulation, research suggests that their efficacy is enhanced when combined with narrative and attachment-based interventions (Siegel, 2023).

The integration of cognitive and somatic approaches helps create a bridge between explicit and implicit trauma processing, reinforcing the individual’s capacity for self-reclamation (Ogden et al., 2006). Explicit trauma processing involves conscious, verbal engagement with past experiences, often facilitated through narrative therapy or cognitive restructuring techniques (White & Epston, 1990). However, many traumatic experiences are encoded in implicit memory systems, bypassing verbal articulation and manifesting through bodily sensations, autonomic dysregulation, and habitual defense patterns (van der Kolk, 2014). Somatic interventions allow clients to access these non-verbal imprints, supporting trauma integration at a physiological level (Levine, 2010).

Attachment-based approaches, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (Johnson, 2019) and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (Hughes, 2017), provide the relational safety necessary for clients to explore and reprocess early attachment wounds. Research has shown that secure relational experiences within therapy can facilitate neurobiological changes, helping individuals develop a greater sense of self-cohesion and emotional regulation (Schore, 2023).

By combining these therapeutic modalities, clients can engage in a holistic healing process that addresses trauma at multiple levels—cognitive, emotional, relational, and physiological. However, cognitive therapeutic interventions can be limited when dealing with trauma that is primarily stored in the body and subconscious memory networks. Research suggests that cognitive-based interventions, such as traditional talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), may be ineffective when clients experience significant dissociation or are unable to verbalize their trauma due to implicit memory encoding (van der Kolk, 2014; Ogden et al., 2006).

In such cases, narrative therapy, psychodynamic approaches, and somatic-oriented therapies may provide a more suitable alternative. Narrative therapy allows clients to externalize their trauma and reconstruct their experiences in a way that fosters empowerment rather than re-experiencing (White & Epston, 1990). Psychodynamic therapy, particularly attachment-based and depth-oriented approaches, enables clients to explore unconscious patterns and relational wounds that contribute to trauma adaptations (Schore, 2023). Somatic therapies, such as Somatic Experiencing (Levine, 2010) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (Ogden et al., 2006), directly address trauma stored in the nervous system, helping clients regulate their physiological responses and reintegrate fragmented aspects of self.

Recognizing when cognitive interventions are insufficient is crucial for effective trauma treatment. When clients remain stuck in intellectualizing their trauma, show persistent emotional numbing or experience heightened distress without relief, transitioning to more body-based or narrative-driven modalities can facilitate deeper healing. This integrative approach fosters deeper self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the ability to reconnect with one’s authentic self in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Understanding these factors highlights the importance of a nuanced, individualized approach to trauma recovery. By recognizing the interplay of neurobiology, attachment, and embodiment, therapists can guide clients through the delicate process of restoring their authentic selves while maintaining a sense of safety and agency.

Conclusion

Healing from trauma involves recognizing the adaptive roles adopted for survival and gently guiding individuals back to their authentic selves. This process requires a nuanced understanding of how trauma shapes self-perception and relational patterns, often leading to entrenched protective adaptations. Therapists can facilitate a gradual reconnection with the body and self by employing somatic therapies, attachment-focused interventions, and neurophysiological insights.

Research indicates that trauma disrupts the integration of sensory, emotional, and cognitive experiences, making it difficult for individuals to feel safe within themselves (Schore, 2023). Somatic therapies, such as Somatic Experiencing and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, help regulate the nervous system by addressing stored trauma in the body (Levine, 2010; Ogden et al., 2006). These approaches provide clients with a structured method to process implicit trauma memories and re-establish physiological balance, a crucial step toward self-reconnection.

Furthermore, polyvagal-informed interventions, including co-regulation techniques and breathwork, can assist clients in shifting from defensive states to a place of social engagement and safety (Porges, 2021). Trauma-sensitive mindfulness and movement-based therapies, such as trauma-sensitive yoga and authentic movement, have been found to improve interoception and self-awareness, reinforcing a felt sense of agency (Emerson & Hopper, 2011; Whitehouse et al., 1999).

Through a compassionate and tailored approach, therapists can support clients in processing stored trauma, reducing reliance on survival-based adaptations, and rediscovering their inherent qualities of kindness, goodness, and love, fostering a more integrated and authentic sense of self.

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