What My Baby’s Swim Class Reminded Me About Trauma Therapy (Yes, Really)

What I Noticed as a Trauma Therapist at Baby Swim Class

The water has always been my happy place. (Middle school AIM screen name: beachbab3209, if that tells you anything.) So when my baby turned 8 months, I was ridiculously excited to start swim lessons. Honestly, I’ve probably been more into it than they are. They’re still mostly a smiley, curious potato, so I’ll own that I’m bringing 95% of the hype.

But in our latest lesson, I found myself whispering to my friend (also there with her baby):

“They need a nervous system consultant.”

And I wasn’t kidding.

When Swim Class in Baltimore Sets Off Your Trauma Therapy Brain

Here’s what came up: My baby loves baths and showers. But the pool? Different vibe. From a nervous system perspective, there was zero orientation to the space. Most of the drills had the babies facing away from us. This setup, if you’re thinking about co-regulation, is like trying to meditate in a room filled with strobe lights.

Don’t get me wrong—these lessons are designed for swimming skill. But as a therapist who supports nervous systems all day, I kept thinking:

“Would they absorb these lessons faster if their body felt safe?”

And that’s when my therapist brain was like… “Oh, this is polyvagal theory.”

Why Orientation Matters (In Swim Class and Trauma Therapy)

Orientation is step one in helping the nervous system feel safe.

In trauma therapy, especially for my clients here in Baltimore, it looks like:

• Letting clients visually locate the windows and doors in my office.

• Naming the time of day, the weather, or where we are in the season.

• Setting clear expectations for what’s going to happen in the session.

• Checking in regularly, because even kind people pleasers lose their ground sometimes.

  
  

When we slow down enough to orient, the body gets the memo: “You’re here, and you’re safe.” That’s when healing begins.

Co-Regulation: The Body’s Shared Language

Co-regulation is what happens when someone else’s calm helps your body feel okay. It’s the glue of healthy attachment. It's how babies learn to trust the world, and how trauma survivors rediscover trust in themselves and others.

In trauma therapy, co-regulation might look like:

• A therapist speaking softly, slowly, and with warmth.

• A gentle nod, soft facial expression, or moment of silence.

• Matching breath patterns or inviting shared grounding exercises.

• Naming emotions together without judgment.

  
  

Without co-regulation, therapy feels like shouting into a void. With it? Even the scariest stories feel survivable.

Trauma Disrupts Safety and Predictability

Trauma scrambles your sense of time, space, and self. It makes it harder to decode the room you’re in right now, even if you’re technically safe.

That’s why trauma therapy isn’t just about coping skills. It’s about:

• Restoring orientation: “Where am I and what’s happening?”

• Inviting co-regulation: “Who’s here with me, and are they safe?”

  
  

Without those pieces, even skill-focused therapy feels like being dunked in the deep end without a kickboard.

Parenting + Therapy: Same Nervous System, Different Stage

That swim lesson was a real-life reminder that whether you’re a baby in a swim class or a people-pleaser in therapy, your nervous system needs:

• Time to adjust.

• Someone regulated nearby.

• A sense of what’s happening and why.

• Trust that pushing too hard too fast won’t be rewarded.

  
  

Whether we're teaching a baby to float or helping a trauma survivor reclaim their voice, we’re building safety through presence, not just instruction. That’s co-regulation. That’s therapy.

The Importance of Connection in Healing

Connection is vital in both parenting and therapy. When babies splash and struggle in the water, they need to feel supported. Similarly, in therapy, clients need to feel connected to their therapist. This connection fosters an environment where healing can truly take place.

In both scenarios, the nervous system thrives on safety and predictability. When we create spaces where individuals feel seen and understood, we pave the way for growth and healing.

If You’re in Therapy and Feeling Lost…

It’s not too much to ask for clarity and support. In fact, your healing depends on it. If you ever feel disoriented or emotionally flooded in therapy, try:

• Asking your therapist to slow down and orient you.

• Naming when you’re not sure what’s happening or what’s expected.

• Noticing how your body responds around them—is it softening or tensing?

• Working with someone who understands nervous system healing—not just “coping skills.”

  
  

(Baltimore folks: That’s literally what I do every day. Somatic therapy and co-regulation are the heart of my work. If you're looking for support like this, here’s a little more about my approach to trauma therapy in Baltimore).

Final Thoughts: Healing Happens in Connection

Watching those tiny humans splash and struggle reminded me of something big:

We're all wired to learn and heal better when we feel safer, seen, and supported.

That’s what trauma therapy is about. That’s what nervous system healing is about. That’s what co-regulation looks like in the wild.

Whether you’re facing old wounds or just trying to stay regulated through election season, the right environment matters. The right relationship matters. And your nervous system deserves that kind of care.

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If you’re looking for trauma therapy in Baltimore and want support that honors your nervous system:

→ I offer sensorimotor, somatic trauma therapy for overwhelmed people-pleasers who are ready to feel more at home (in their bodies and relationships).

Learn more about my trauma therapy services and schedule an intro call if it feels like the right next step.