How to Tell the Difference Between Intuition and Trauma Responses
Have you ever second-guessed yourself with the thought, “Is this my intuition guiding me, or is this just trauma?” If so, you are not alone. This is one of the most common struggles I hear about.
When you have lived through trauma or long-term stress, your nervous system adapts by scanning for danger. It becomes hyper-aware, interpreting cues through the lens of survival. What you feel in your body as a strong gut instinct might actually be a trauma response designed to protect you.
This does not mean you are broken. It means your body is doing its best to keep you safe.
How Trauma and Intuition Feel Different
While trauma and intuition can both create strong bodily signals, they carry very different qualities.
Trauma often feels constrictive: chest tightens, jaw clenches, breath shortens, body freezes, brain feels foggy.
Intuition feels quieter but steadier: chest feels open, breath slows, energy feels grounded, mind feels clear.
Both states are valid, but only one comes from a place of safety.
A Client Story
Kelly, a past client, shared:
“Before working together, I felt like my brain was telling me everything was fine, but my body didn’t understand. Through somatic tools, I learned how to recognize what my body was really saying. I feel more empowered and trusting of myself now than ever before.”
Her story shows what becomes possible when you stop dismissing your body and begin listening in a new way.
A Somatic Practice to Try
Here is a simple way to begin noticing the difference:
Bring to mind a situation you are unsure about. Choose something small but meaningful.
Close your eyes, take a slow breath, and notice your body.
Do you feel expansive, like your chest opens or your breath deepens? That is often intuition.
Do you feel constricted, like your shoulders hunch or your body goes tense? That is often trauma.
Try this daily for three days. Journal about what you notice. Over time, your body learns to show you the difference between fear and truth.
Why This Matters
Learning to distinguish trauma from intuition is one of the most powerful ways to rebuild trust in yourself. Without it, you may stay stuck in second-guessing, afraid to make decisions, or feeling disconnected from your inner wisdom. With it, you can begin to move through life with more clarity, self-trust, and alignment.
Healing does not happen overnight, and you do not have to do it alone. This work is not just about knowing what is true. It is about feeling it, in your body, in a way that becomes unshakable.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to imagine how your life might feel if you could stop asking “Is it intuition or trauma?” and instead live with a grounded sense of trust in yourself. That is possible.
About the Author
Shai Maxine is a trained somatic practitioner specializing in helping people navigate stress, chronic pain, and emotional overwhelm. With years of experience guiding clients toward greater ease and connection, Shai offers practical tools rooted in somatic awareness and mindfulness. When not working, Shai enjoys hiking, cooking, creating art, and petting as many dogs as she can. Follow along on instagram @shai.maxine
