Unlocking Healing: Exploring 3 Types of Somatic Therapy for Trauma Recovery

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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.

3 types of somatic therapy

Unlocking Healing: Exploring 3 Types of Somatic Therapy for Trauma Recovery

Unveiling Cure: Delving into Three Varieties of Somatic Therapy for Recuperating from Trauma

Key points:

  • Understanding Somatic Therapy
  • Three prime types of Somatic Therapy
  • Essential benefits and concerns related to Somatic therapy
  • Frequently asked questions about Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy constitutes a holistic healing approach, prioritizing the mind-body-spirit connection. It leverages the body's natural healing capacity to relieve and eliminate unreleased stress, creating a path towards healing and liberation. In our exploration of the 3 types of somatic therapy, our focus shall be on Somatic Experiencing, Hakomi Therapy, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.

Understanding Somatic Therapy

Somatic Therapy, born in the mid-19th century, treats trauma and mental health disorders through body-centered therapies. It primarily concentrates on the body's sensations (or somatic experiences) rather than cognitive or emotional aspects. This form of therapy is based on the understanding that the impersonalized traumas are manifested in our physical bodies and that effective therapy should involve both the mind and the body.

Three Types of Somatic Therapy

Within the broad field of Somatic Therapy, distinctive and powerful techniques have emerged, each catering to unique mental health needs. Here are three primary techniques:

  1. Somatic Experiencing: Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this technique aims at the perceived body sensations that arise from traumatic events. It facilitates healing by releasing the adverse energy associated with such events, enhancing an individual's potential to favorably respond to challenging situations.

  2. Hakomi Therapy: Hakomi embraces mindfulness and non-violence, applying body-mind integrative techniques. This approach believes in individuals' inherent wisdom and attempts to combine cognitive and bodily experiences.

  3. Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This category of therapy incorporates mindfulness and cognitive therapy techniques to alter the automatic physical responses to adversity or trauma.

"The body remembers what the mind forgets."

This quote emphasizes the significance of Somatic Therapy as it acknowledges the body-mind connection as an essential foundation of healing from any mental or emotional trauma.

Benefits and Concerns

While Somatic Therapy's prime benefit rests in its holistic treatment approach, other benefits encompass better emotional regulation, reduction in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, and a higher degree of physical comfort and mobility.However, concerns exist too. One must ensure to consult experienced and well-trained therapists, given that an improper or inexperienced approach can lead to trauma reactivation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Somatic Therapy

  • Q: Is Somatic Therapy scientifically proven?
  • A: Yes, many studies verify the effectiveness of Somatic Therapy in treating trauma-related disorders.

  • Q: How long does it take for Somatic Therapy to show results?

  • A: The duration varies across individuals and the severity of their conditions.

  • Q: Can I combine Somatic Therapy with other therapeutic methods?

  • A: Yes, it can be combined with different traditional and alternative therapeutic treatments.

Embracing the understanding that "The cure for the pain is in the pain" - Rumi, Somatic Therapy attempts to heal trauma by addressing its root causes embodied in our physical selves. With the above-mentioned 3 types of somatic therapy, individuals can now choose a healing path best suited to their unique needs and experiences.



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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