Traumatic experiences can leave lasting impacts on our mental and physical well-being, often accompanied by conditions like depression, anxiety, dissociation, and psychosis. While traditional talk therapies address these mental aspects, somatic therapy takes a unique approach by focusing on the body’s role in healing trauma. In this blog post, we will explore what somatic therapy is, how it works, and whether it could be the right choice for your trauma recovery journey.
Understanding Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy, derived from the word ‘soma’ meaning ‘of the body,’ is a therapeutic approach that harnesses the body’s innate capacity to aid in trauma processing and recovery. While somatic experiencing (SE) is the most well-known method in this field, there are other somatic psychotherapies available, such as biodynamic psychotherapy. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, SE is rooted in understanding the body’s automatic response to trauma, extending beyond the commonly known ‘fight or flight’ to include ‘freeze,’ ‘flop,’ and ‘fawn’ responses.
The Freeze Response: When faced with trauma, the ‘freeze’ response may become our natural survival mechanism. During the freeze response, individuals might experience tension, increased heart rate, accelerated breathing, nausea, or dissociation. While this response can be life-saving in the moment, problems arise when the body remains stuck in this state long after the initial trauma has passed. This unresolved energy can lead to somatic effects and chronic discomfort.
Somatic Therapy as a Trauma ‘Reset’
Somatic therapy involves working with a certified Somatic Therapist to identify areas in the body where trauma has taken root, causing strain or chronic pain. Once these areas are pinpointed, emotional and psychological symptoms linked to these bodily sensations, such as guilt, shame, disgust, anger, or panic, are addressed. This ‘body first’ approach aims to regulate the body’s physical state before delving into emotional healing, facilitating a more comprehensive recovery process.
Practical Application of Somatic Therapy: In somatic therapy, the initial focus is on increasing bodily awareness and presence. Techniques like tapping or lightly pressing on specific body parts are employed, accompanied by internal or vocal naming of those body parts. This emphasis on bodily sensations sets somatic therapy apart from traditional talk therapies.
Managing Traumatic Feelings: To manage potential resurfacing of traumatic feelings or memories, an SEP helps establish safe spaces, whether through a place, memory with a person, or envisioning enjoyable activities. This safe space serves as a resource for grounding and soothing in case the body-focused work triggers distress.
Titration and Emotional Release: As therapy progresses, clients revisit remembered sensations from traumatic events in a gradual process called ‘titration.’ This careful approach ensures that sensations do not overwhelm or retraumatize individuals. During titration, emotional and physical energy may be released through crying, shaking, or shivering, contributing to the therapeutic ‘reset.’ SEP guides individuals back to a calmer state, referred to as ‘pendulation,’ using the grounding resources developed earlier.
Is Somatic Therapy Right for You?
Somatic therapy may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who have experienced body-oriented trauma like physical or sexual abuse. Deciding if somatic therapy is right for you requires careful consideration. It might be beneficial to incorporate elements of somatic therapy into traditional talk therapies to tailor your healing journey to your specific needs.
Conclusion
Somatic therapy offers a unique and holistic approach to trauma recovery by recognizing the vital role of the body in processing and healing. While it may not be the perfect fit for everyone, it is essential to explore various therapeutic options and consult with qualified professionals to make an informed choice for your trauma recovery.
