Is Somatic Experiencing Evidence-Based? Exploring the Science Behind Trauma-Informed Training
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Evaluating the Evidence: Is Somatic Experiencing an Evidence-Based Approach to Trauma-Informed Training?
Key Points:
- What Somatic Experiencing is
- Explanation of evidence-based practice
- Current research on Somatic Experiencing
- Future implications and conclusion
- FAQ
Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. Founded by Dr. Peter Levine, it's based on the ethological observation that animals in the wild generally don’t develop trauma symptoms, even though they routinely experience life-threatening situations. But, is Somatic Experiencing evidence-based?
Let's delve into the world of Somatic Experiencing and explore the scientific research behind it.
What is Somatic Experiencing?
Somatic Experiencing offers a framework to address the dysregulation of the nervous system and promote integration and resilience. It doesn't require the traumatized person to relive the traumatic event. Instead, it progressively and systematically guides them to develop increasing tolerance for difficult bodily sensations and suppressed emotions.
Dr. Levine's method, taught through our training programs, focuses on the physiological body and how to normalize the body's responses to reduce the symptoms of traumatic stress.
Understanding Evidence-Based Practice
An evidence-based practice integrates the best-available research evidence, clinician expertise, and individual client characteristics. Evidence-based practices undergo systematic and rigorous testing, usually through randomized control trials, before being widely adopted.
Current Research on Somatic Experiencing
Several studies suggest that SE can indeed be effective.
In a study by Payne, Levine, and Crane-Godreau in 2015, SE was found to reduce symptoms of trauma, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Similarly, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress Disorders & Treatment indicated that SE seems to be a promising intervention for PTSD. However, it acknowledged that more research, particularly long-term studies and randomized controlled trials, are needed.
It's important to note that while these studies provide promising results, more extensive studies are necessary. As a relatively new approach, Somatic Experiencing poses challenges for traditional research methodologies such as randomized control trials.
Future Implications and Conclusion
With current promising research, Somatic Experiencing paves the way for a deeper understanding of trauma and its effects on the body. It offers an alternative or supplement to cognitive-behavioral approaches, primarily appealing to those for whom talking therapies may not be sufficient.
Moving into the future, more extensive and long-term research is critical. It will deepen the roots of Somatic Experiencing in evidence-based practice and potentially spread its benefits to a wider population of trauma survivors.
Understanding whether Somatic Experiencing is evidence-based contributes to the larger field of trauma-informed care, emphasizing the critical role of our physiological body in the journey of healing and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Somatic Experiencing?A1: Somatic Experiencing is a body-oriented approach to healing trauma and stress disorders. It focuses on physiological responses and aims to normalize these responses to alleviate trauma symptoms.
Q2: Is Somatic Experiencing evidence-based?A2: Initial studies suggest improvement in trauma symptoms, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression, post-SE treatment. However, more extensive and long-term research is necessary to firmly establish Somatic Experiencing as an evidence-based practice.
Q3: What type of study would solidify Somatic Experiencing as evidence-based?A3: Randomized control trials, which are considered the ‘gold standard’ in research, would strengthen evidence on Somatic Experiencing. Also, long-term studies that follow participants for years post-treatment will shed light on SE's long-term effectiveness.
Q4: Can Somatic Experiencing be an alternative to traditional therapy methods?A4: Somatic Experiencing could be a valuable alternative or supplement to traditional talking therapies, particularly for individuals for whom these therapies may not be sufficient.
Q5: What does the future hold for Somatic Experiencing?A5: With stronger research and wider practice, Somatic Experiencing holds significant potential to contribute to trauma-informed care, offering an alternative perspective that emphasizes the vital role of our physiological responses in trauma healing.
Ready to start your career as a trauma informed care practitioner? Contact us at info@aurainstitute.org or (424) 400-3048 to begin your journey as a certified trauma practitioner and make a positive impact in trauma care.