Somatic trauma therapy is a very human form of treatment that acknowledges what many individuals have always known in their hearts – trauma is held not only within the mind, but within the body. While conventional therapy revolves around talking about feelings and experiences, somatic trauma therapy takes an opposite approach, beginning with bodily sensations like chest tightness, rapid breathing or inexplicable exhaustion, slowly uncovering what these sensations may be hiding. Studies have shown that trauma and stress can manifest themselves in the body for years after the event.
Philosophy Behind Somatic Approaches
Somatic approaches operate on the assumption that the body keeps its memories, despite attempts by the conscious part of the mind to distance itself from past events. These assumptions manifest in real-life settings, such as tensions, pains, and feelings of discomfort that persist regardless of attempts to get over them. The role of therapists working with people suffering from trauma involves helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, developing an environment where sensation is free of blame and critique.
The Presence of Trauma in the Body
Trauma typically triggers the fight-flight-freeze response. In cases where the response does not get completed, the individual can experience it in a stuck position where their nervous system becomes either hyperactive or shuts down. It is from such conditions that an individual might experience anxiety for no apparent reason or feel symptoms such as tightness in muscles or headaches. Somatic therapy for trauma helps in completing the incomplete process in the body.
What Takes Place During Somatic Therapy
A usual therapy session tends to be much calmer and more thoughtful than one would imagine. Rather than plunging right away into exploring disturbing memories, the therapist would encourage focusing on breathing, posture or even minor changes in bodily sensations. Such methods include grounding, body movements, and other ways of maintaining presence, allowing one to experience their emotions safely without being overwhelmed.
Methods of Somatic Trauma Treatment
There are a number of methods utilized within somatic treatment, aimed at restoring the connection between the brain and body. They involve breathing exercises, body scan, pendulation (shifting from feeling safe to feeling unsafe) and titration (working with small fragments of traumatic experiences). All these methods are used for one purpose – allowing a person to explore their inner world without danger and slowly letting go of accumulated emotions.
Other Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy not only helps in overcoming trauma but also provides other advantages to patients. Some people have reported that this therapy is helpful for dealing with anxiety and depression. Additionally, people have claimed to find relief from chronic pain and develop better interpersonal skills after undergoing somatic therapy. This technique works with the body itself and releases some emotions that might not be released otherwise.
People Who Will Benefit from This Method
One advantage of somatic trauma therapy is that it will be ideal for people who may feel stuck in more conventional forms of therapy or who cannot adequately describe their issues. People who may have been suffering from chronic stress, unprocessed grief or physical symptoms that cannot be diagnosed by modern medicine will also benefit from this method.
Incorporating Somatic Therapy in Daily Living
One of the best things about somatic therapy is that its methods can be applied outside the context of therapy itself. Simply engaging in simple exercises such as deep breathing, checking for bodily tension, or grounding oneself may have a great impact. With repetition, these seemingly insignificant actions may assist in regulating the nervous system, enabling one to react to stressful situations without being reactive.
Importance of Working with Professionals
Though self-therapy can prove beneficial at times, in many cases, it is necessary to work with professionals to heal from trauma. Professional therapists bring not only skills and techniques to the table but also provide an atmosphere where you feel safe and in sync. In case you are pursuing this method, you can visit sites such as Tulua Collaborative Health.
A Little Note on the Process of Healing
The process of healing is never linear and that is one of the key principles of somatic therapy. There is no pressure or forcing of any kind because everything happens at your own pace. This might be a challenge for some, as the world we live in is obsessed with immediacy and fast results. However, this process itself can be considered the most rewarding part of the practice.
Somatic Healing through Connection with Oneself
Ultimately, somatic trauma therapy is much more than overcoming one’s past issues. This approach creates an opportunity for people to restore connection with their body and live a life of safety and presence. When individuals understand the language of their body and realize all the efforts it made before, they become able to live fully.
