Trauma can leave a profound impact on both the mind and the body. Traditional talk therapies focus on addressing trauma through verbal processing alone. However, somatic trauma therapy takes a different approach by recognizing the integral role the body plays in trauma healing. In this blog, we will explore somatic trauma therapy, its principles, and techniques, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and IFS (Internal Family Systems), and the potential benefits it offers for individuals on their journey to recovery.

Understanding Somatic Trauma Therapy:

Somatic trauma therapy acknowledges that trauma is not solely an emotional or cognitive experience but is also energy stored within the body. This therapeutic approach recognizes the inseparable connection between mind and body, aiming to release and process trauma held in bodily sensations, movement patterns, and the nervous system.

Principles of Somatic Trauma Therapy:

1. Embodiment: Somatic trauma therapy focuses on recognizing the way individuals disconnect from their bodies and the present moment, the way this saved them historically, and moving toward reconnecting individuals with their bodies and their present-moment experiences. It emphasizes the importance of developing a felt sense of grounding and body awareness.

2. Sensation and Resourcing: This approach encourages individuals to notice and explore bodily sensations associated with trauma, as well as identifying and developing internal and external resources to support the healing process.

3. Regulation and Pendulation: Somatic trauma therapy emphasizes the regulation of the nervous system by assisting individuals in expanding their window of tolerance for distressing emotions and sensations. It promotes the pendulation between activation and relaxation, allowing the nervous system to find a state of balance.

Techniques in Somatic Trauma Therapy:

1. Body Awareness: Clients are encouraged to develop a heightened awareness of their bodily sensations, movements, and postures. This awareness helps to identify areas of tension, discomfort, or numbness that may be connected to past traumatic experiences.

2. Breathwork: Although, breath may not be a part of everyone’s journey. Some people find focused breathing techniques support grounding, regulation, and relaxation. Deep, mindful breaths can help some individuals connect with their bodies, release tension, and calm the nervous system.

3. Somatic Experiencing: Developed by Peter A. Levine, somatic experiencing focuses on renegotiating and releasing stored trauma by gently guiding individuals to notice and release bodily sensations associated with past traumatic events.

4. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR includes an entire phase on resourcing, or techniques to help bring individuals attention back to the present moment and their present bodily experience. EMDR also combines elements of talk therapy and bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tactile sensations, to help individuals reprocess traumatic memories and reduce the somatic and mental distress associated with them. EMDR can also facilitate the integration of fragmented traumatic experiences and promote healing.

5. Internal Family Systems (IFS): IFS focuses on feeling into individuals’ bodies to “find” the various "parts" within an individual's internal system. It helps individuals explore the different aspects of themselves that may have been affected by trauma, promoting self-compassion and healing while moving toward understanding and harmony within.

Benefits of Somatic Trauma Therapy:

1. Regulation of the Nervous System: Somatic trauma therapy helps individuals regulate their autonomic nervous system, reducing hyperarousal or dissociation and fostering a sense of safety and calm.

2. Enhanced Body Awareness: By developing a deeper connection with their bodies, individuals can gain insight into how trauma has impacted them physically. This awareness allows for the recognition and release of stored trauma in the body.

3. Empowerment and Self-Compassion: Somatic trauma therapy empowers individuals to actively participate in their healing process. It cultivates self-compassion, helping individuals develop a kind and nurturing relationship with their bodies.

4. Integration of Trauma: By engaging the body in the therapeutic process, somatic trauma therapy facilitates the integration of traumatic experiences at both the cognitive and somatic levels. This integration allows for the body to complete certain stress or emotion cycles and promotes a more comprehensive and lasting healing process.

Somatic trauma therapy offers a holistic and integrative approach to trauma healing by recognizing and addressing the body's role in processing and releasing trauma. Techniques such as EMDR and IFS complement this approach by facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories and harmonizing internal aspects of the self. By working with bodily sensations, movement, and the nervous system, individuals can access profound healing and transformation. If you are considering trauma therapy, exploring somatic approaches, including IFS-informed EMDR, may be valuable and empowering paths towards healing the wounds of the past and reclaiming a sense of wholeness. Remember, each person's healing journey is unique, and finding the right therapeutic approach for your needs is essential. If you are interested in working with someone on our team, you can click here to schedule a free best fit consultation.

Keywords: somatic trauma therapy, trauma healing, mind-body connection, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, body awareness, breathwork, somatic experiencing, regulation of the nervous system, empowerment, self-compassion, integration of trauma