Unpacking Trauma: How Does Somatic Experiencing Work?

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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.

Exploring Trauma Through the Body: Understanding the Mechanism of Somatic Experiencing

Key Points Covered in the Article:1. What is Somatic Experiencing?2. The science behind Somatic Experiencing3. Application of Somatic Experiencing4. Benefits of Somatic Experiencing5. FAQs on Somatic Experiencing

The field of mental health has seen numerous advancements, discoveries, and practices aimed at providing the best support to clients. One such practice that has generated considerable interest in recent times is Somatic Experiencing. The question that naturally arises here is? how does somatic experiencing work?

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a form of alternative therapy purported to relieve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other mental and physical trauma-related health problems by focusing on the client's perceived body sensations (or somatic experiences).

The Science of Somatic Experiencing

Rather than merely addressing the cognitive and emotional elements of trauma, somatic experiencing takes into account the physical aspect of trauma on the body. This technique draws its roots from the observation of animals in the wild. It's a known fact that unlike humans, animals rarely show symptoms of trauma, despite being regularly threatened, chased, and attacked. This observation inspired the development of Somatic Experiencing by Dr. Peter Levine who concluded that the energy aroused in the 'fight or flight' response is not discharged in humans but trapped in the nervous system. Hence, by facilitating the release of this energy, we can better manage trauma.

As a therapy, somatic experiencing aims to promote awareness and release of physical tension that remains in the aftermath of trauma. The practitioner guides the clients to track their physical experiences and gradually helps them to build tolerance for bodily sensation and suppressed emotion.

Application of Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing practitioners use techniques to track bodily sensation, called "felt sense", to identify patterns in physiological arousal and create a roadmap for navigating through the trauma. These practitioners use a mixture of psychoeducation, body awareness exercises, breathing techniques and physical touch to help release trapped energy from the body.

The Benefits of Somatic Experiencing

1. Addresses the Root of Trauma: rather than just dealing with the symptoms, SE addresses the root cause of the problem.
2. Holistic Approach: SE combines psychological and physiological methods serving as a holistic and comprehensive approach to dealing with trauma.
3. Empowers the Individual: SE helps clients to realize their body's ability to heal itself, and hence become more in tune with their body’s sensations, feelings, and responses.
4. Effectiveness: Emerging studies have shown the effectiveness of SE in treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

Here at Aura Institute, we offer tailored Somatic Experiencing techniques to provide a personalized approach to managing mental health for our clients.

FAQs on Somatic Experiencing

1. Can Somatic Experiencing cure trauma?SE does not act as a direct cure for trauma, but it is an effective tool for managing and reducing its impact, aiding in the journey towards recovery.

2. How can SE benefit people who do not have trauma?SE can also benefit people dealing with stress, mild anxiety, or those seeking to cultivate a deeper connection with their body and emotions.

3. I am a mental health professional. How can I get trained in Somatic Experiencing?Aura Institute offers comprehensive training programs in Somatic Experiencing. Visit our website to learn more.

4. Is Somatic Experiencing safe?Yes, SE is a safe method. However, it should be conducted by trained professionals to ensure the comfort and safety of the client. At Aura Institute, our SE practitioners are trained to provide a safe and supportive experience for our clients

From the above, we can conclude that Somatic Experiencing is an innovative approach to dealing with trauma. Whether you are a professional seeking to add a new tool to your toolbox or an individual suffering from trauma's aftermath, SE holds promise. It utilizes our body's natural rhythm, wisdom, and healing ability to navigate through and recover from trauma. However, it is crucial to have this practice guided by trained professionals, such as those at Aura Institute who are continually updated on the latest science and techniques of Somatic Experiencing.

"In your body lies the wisdom you seek. You only need to listen."

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.