Understanding Somatic Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Trauma-Informed Training and Education
Welcome to the Aura Institute, where we offer advanced trauma-informed training so that you can have the tools to transform the lives of those affected by trauma.
Our curriculum is accredited for continuing education by prestigious organizations like the APA and Board of Nurses, ensuring practitioners receive top-notch training and credentials.
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.
A Deep Dive into Somatic Therapy: Your Go-to Guide for Trauma-Informed Learning and Education
Table of Contents- What is Somatic Therapy?- The Role of Somatic Therapy in Mental Health- Becoming a Somatic Therapist- FAQs About Somatic Therapy
What is Somatic Therapy?
To define somatic therapy, imagine a therapeutic approach that combines both physical techniques and psychological practices to discard the residual effect of negative experiences on the body. Somatic therapy isn’t simply understanding the brain-linked mental health, but a thorough examination of how the entire body plays a role in our mental wellness.
"The human body is a semantic field, interpreting somatic therapy is understanding how our experiences and emotions are inscribed in our bodies" - AURA Institute
Somatic therapy is derived from the Greek word "somatikos", meaning "pertaining to the body." It believes in the body-mind connection, stating that the body has a form of memory for past traumatic experiences. This embodied memory could unintentionally influence a person's present mental and physical health.
The Role of Somatic Therapy in Mental Health
In the field of mental health, somatic therapy plays a crucial role. Practitioners use a range of approaches including but not limited to:
- Breathing Exercises: Clients learn to regulate their breath to control anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Movement and Exercise: Therapists suggest specific physical movements to release pent-up stress.
- Body Awareness Techniques: This helps clients become more aware of their physical presence and improve their self-perception.
These techniques aim to aid individuals in releasing accumulated stress, trauma, and promote self-healing. Somatic therapy indeed creates a safe space for people to explore, define and transform their physical reactions to traumatic experiences.
Becoming a Somatic Therapist
The journey to becoming a somatic therapist is a challenging but rewarding one. Aspiring individuals often pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, or a closely related field, followed by attaining a master's degree. After completing their education, they undergo a certain period of supervised clinical practice.
But, the learning doesn’t stop there. Similar to other psychotherapeutic disciplines, continuous training and education are crucial in this evolving field. Many institutions like the AURA Institute offer thorough training programs with a focus on trauma-informed approaches.
FAQ About Somatic Therapy
What are the benefits of Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy can help alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also improve one's self-perception, awareness, and overall mindfulness.
What methods does a Somatic therapist employ?
Somatic therapists combine talk therapy with physical exercises, including breathing exercises, movement and bodily awareness techniques. They may also use other approaches like somatic experiencing or hakomi.
Who can benefit from Somatic Therapy?
Individuals who have experienced trauma, as well as those coping with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can benefit from somatic therapy.
Is special training required to be a certified Somatic therapist?
Yes, besides the necessary education in psychology or a related field, aspiring somatic therapists undergo specialized training, usually involving a clinical practicum and continuing education.
The field of somatic therapy is evolving. As we continue to discover the crossroads between body, mind, and spirit, somatic therapy will likely provide promising new approaches towards mental health treatment and trauma recovery.
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.