Understanding What Somatic Means: A Comprehensive Guide to Trauma-Informed Training
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A Deep Dive into The World of Somatic Therapy: Unraveling the Meaning
Understanding What Somatic Means: A Comprehensive Guide to Trauma-Informed Training
In this article, we take a closer look at the concept of somatic therapy, and what somatic means in the context of trauma-informed training. We delve into the genesis, pervasiveness, and overall impact of such a trend in our mental health discourse.
Key Points Covered:
- Definition of Somatic
- Understanding Somatic in Mental Health
- Somatic Approach to Trauma-informed Training
- Practical Applications of Somatic Approach
- Frequently Asked Questions About Somatic Approach
1. The Essence of Somatic
Understanding what "somatic" means takes us back to the roots of the word, which is derived from the Greek term 'soma,' signifying 'the living body in its wholeness.' Somatic, in everyday vernacular, denotes anything relating, affecting, or characteristic of the body - distinct from the mind or psyche.
2. Somatic Applied to Mental Health
When applied to mental health, 'somatic' points towards a branch of therapy that holistically concentrates on the integral connection between mind and body. Its primary focus lies in the belief that the body can self-heal and that physical movement can unlock the door to mental wellness.
"Our bodies store the trauma of our lives in muscular rigidity, thereby reducing our capacity to feel or express feelings." - Dr. Peter Levine.
Holders of the somatic perspective view the human being as a unified entity, consisting of body-mind-energy, where the body is seen as an essential component of human holism rather than just a physical apparatus.
3. Somatic Approach in Trauma-Informed Training
Somatic therapy emerged as a direct response to traditional models failing to address trauma's full spectrum. Rather than staying focused on the cognitive processing of traumatic events, the somatic approach took a radical turn towards harnessing the body's natural healing power.
In trauma-informed training, the somatic perspective holds the potential to transfer the locus of control from the therapist to the individual, fostering self-empowerment. This is achieved through several techniques such as regulated breathing, grounding exercises, and physical movements that help disengage from traumatic triggers.
4. Practical Applications of Somatic Approach
Somatic Therapy continues to be an attractive avenue in mental health care, specifically for conditions characterized by trauma or chronic stress. Some of the techniques applied include Sensorimotor Therapy, Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi Method, and the Feldenkrais Method.
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Sensorimotor Therapy: It integrates body-centered (somatic) techniques with cognitive therapy practices. Its primary focus is to disarm recurring patterns of traumatic reactions.
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Somatic Experiencing: Pioneered by Dr. Peter Levine, it helps people overcome trauma-related symptoms by focusing on their natural, self-healing capabilities.
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Hakomi Method: This method uses mindfulness and body-centered techniques to reach the unconscious beliefs one holds about oneself and the world.
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Feldenkrais Method: It uses gentle movement and directed attention to increase ease and improve functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Does Somatic Therapy work?Somatic therapy works by helping individuals recognize, sit with, and move through the physical manifestations of their trauma. The somatic approach believes that trappings of mental distress can be released via physical sensations.
2. What is a Somatic Psychology Degree?A Somatic Psychology Degree is an advanced degree program focusing on the body-mind connection's study and understanding. It incorporates bodily experience into psychotherapy, often using breathwork, movement, and mindfulness.
3. Can Somatic Symptoms Be Cured?While somatic symptoms cannot be "cured" in a traditional sense, they can be managed. Somatic therapy can play a vital role in this by fostering resilience, emotional intelligence, and a healthier relationship with one's body.
4. Where to find somatic practitioner training?Here at Aura Institute, we provide comprehensive training in somatic practices. It's ideal for those interested in incorporating a body-centered approach into their client work or their self-care routine.
While the somatic approach is certainly not a one-size-fits-all, it offers an effective and empowering approach to address trauma and stress-related disorders, placing it at the forefront of innovation in mental health care.
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.