Unlock Healing Potential with Somatic Stretching Exercises: Trauma-Informed Training & 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.

somatic stretching exercises

Unlocking the Power of Healing Through Somatic Stretching: A Guide to Trauma-sensitive Training and Education

Find Inner Tranquility and Growth with Somatic Stretching: Trauma-led Training and Empowerment

Building insight on mental health and understanding the influence of body movements can lead to the exploration of one-size-fits-all health solutions; one such method is somatic stretching exercises. These exercises combine aspects of mindfulness, bodily awareness, and physical motion to provide multiple benefits for mental health and trauma recovery.

This article will cover the key transformative aspects of this practice, its potential as a tool for mental health professionals, and provide a detailed walkthrough towards self-empowerment.

Key Topics

  • Definition and Benefits of Somatic Stretching
  • Trauma-Informed Approaches in Somatic Stretching
  • The Link Between Somatic Stretching and Mental Health
  • Training and Education in Somatic Stretching
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Somatic Stretching

Somatic stretching exercises involve being fully present during the movements. These movements focus on engaging both the body and mind concurrently, often starting with slower, more deliberate movements to grow awareness of the physical body. It is a journey within, to unlock the potent healing capabilities that we all possess.

"The body keeps the score: If the memory of trauma is encoded in the viscera, in heartbreaking and gut-wrenching emotions, in autoimmune disorders & skeletal/muscular problems, and if mind/brain/visceral communication is the royal road to emotion regulation, this demands a radical shift in our therapeutic assumptions." - Bessel Van Der Kolk, Psychiatrist and Author

These stretching exercises provide an opportunity to interact with the underlying autonomic nervous system, which directly affects mental health. The routine can slow down the 'fight or flight' response, commonly heightened in individuals with a history of trauma, shaping a pathway to manage stress and anxiety with greater control.

Training in somatic stretching brings numerous benefits. For mental health professionals, understanding this work contributes to their skillset, helping their clients tap into the mind-body connection. This kind of trauma-informed approach enables professionals to tailor their care in response to a person's specific experiences and needs.

Mental health professionals are not the only ones to benefit from education in somatic stretching. Anyone can enhance their relationship with their body and mind, empower themselves through individual exploration, and learn to nurture their personal well-being.


Somatic stretching exercises offer a holistic approach to healing trauma and maintaining mental health. With the right approach and guidance, they can become powerful tools for personal and professional growth in mental health. It's time to unlock this potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are somatic stretching exercises?

Somatic stretching exercises are body-oriented movements that focus on the sensitive connection between the mind and the body. These exercises provide a mindful way of moving that encourages self-awareness and healing.

2. How does somatic stretching contribute to trauma recovery?

Somatic stretching, especially when guided by trauma-informed principles, offers a way to manage the physical and mental symptoms related to post-traumatic stress. It provides an avenue to 'reset' the body's stress response, promoting self-regulation.

3. How can training in somatic stretching enhance my professional skills in mental health?

Training in somatic stretching delivers an additional framework to understand mental health from a bodily perspective. It also provides new methods to help clients connect with their inner self, cultivating resilience and self-awareness.

4. Can anyone perform somatic exercises?

Absolutely. While specific exercises may need to be tailored to individual needs, the concept of mindful movement is beneficial for everyone. It offers a means of physical fitness and stress reduction. You can learn more about it in our somatic stretching training and education programs.

*Unlock your potential for healing and growth - explore the world of somatic stretching.



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.

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Unlocking the Power of Somatic Psychotherapy Training: A Comprehensive Guide

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Mastering Containment Skills: A Comprehensive Guide for Trauma-Informed Training