That pinched nerve in your neck after a stressful day. The knot in your stomach before a big presentation. Anxiety, stress and depression can cause physical symptoms which is especially true for those recovering from trauma. While not widely known, Somatic Therapy is a unique approach that recognizes the powerful connection between our minds and bodies, and it can be very effective for those with PTSD and C-PTSD. Let’s dive into what somatic therapy is, why it works wonders for trauma recovery, and the different types of therapies it includes.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic means ‘of the body’. At its core, Somatic Therapy is all about tuning into the body. It refers to practices that explore how physical reactions relate to emotions and experiences. Think of it as a gentle conversation between your mind and body, where both get a chance to express themselves. Somatic Therapy acknowledges that our bodies can hold onto stress and trauma, often without our realization. But by focusing on what’s happening in the body, the mind can release stored emotions promoting healing and recovery.¹
Why is Somatic Therapy Great for Trauma Recovery?
Somatic therapy shines when it comes to healing from trauma. Survivors experiencing PTSD and C-PTSD suffer from a range of symptoms including overwhelming negative thoughts, feelings of detachment, angry outbursts, nightmares, and problems focusing and sleeping ². Dealing with these symptoms over time puts deep stress on both the body and mind leading to physical and mental exhaustion (1). Somatic Therapy allows them the ability to:
Listening to the Body: Trauma leaves a mark on the body and mind. Somatic Therapy helps decode those signals of tension and stress that may be stuck inside.
Process Beyond Words: Sometimes, talking about experiences can be tough. Somatic Therapy offers a way to process feelings without putting everything into words, which can make it more comfortable for some than talk therapy.
Boost Self-Awareness: Somatic Therapy encourages survivors to connect with their bodies to recognize different emotional states. This newfound awareness can lead to better emotional regulation and self-care.
A Holistic Approach: Somatic Therapy embraces the whole person—body, mind and soul. Combined with other types of therapy, this comprehensive approach can lead to deeper healing.
Types of Somatic Therapy
There are several different types of Somatic Therapy, each offering their own unique way to promote healing. Several incorporate breath work, movement therapy, and mindfulness techniques. It can be done in both individual and group sessions, usually with a trained professional. A few interesting examples include:
Somatic Experiencing: This technique helps to tap into physical sensations to release the energy that trauma can leave behind.
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This method combines thinking and feeling with physical movements, helping to connect emotions with bodily sensations.
Feldenkrais Method ®: A form of somatic education, this method uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning ³.
Pendulation: This technique guides you gently between feeling relaxed and exploring emotions tied to past traumas.
Titration: This involves addressing traumatic memories while staying connected to your physical sensations, allowing for a safe exploration of feelings.
The Power of Somatic Therapy
Many people have found somatic therapy to be a transformative experience. At Dawn’s Place, we offer residents the opportunity to participate in the Feldenkrais Method. After a session, it’s easy to see a more relaxed and positive energy throughout the house.
Healing is a personal journey, and Somatic Therapy might be the gentle, supportive approach needed for survivors to feel more at home in both their body and mind.
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