Unpacking Trauma: What is Somatic Therapy and How Does it Help?
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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 Therapeutic Approaches: Demystifying Somatic Therapy's Role in Trauma Management
Key Points:
- Definition of Somatic Therapy
- Understanding Trauma
- How does Somatic Therapy help in processing trauma?
- Popular techniques in Somatic Therapy
- Training and finding certified Somatic Therapists
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Somatic Therapy?
Somatic Therapy, a type of therapy focusing on the connection between mind and body, has recently gained noticeable attention. This therapeutic approach is propelled by the belief that trauma and other emotional stresses can manifest in physical symptoms. The keyword here is the term 'somatic,' derived from the ancient Greek word 'soma,' meaning the body in its entirety. Hence, when people ask, 'What is a somatic therapy?' they refer to an experiential treatment method integrating the mind-body connection to heal trauma.
"Somatic Therapy combines psychotherapy and physical therapies to heal and resolve trauma, allowing an individual to feel, sense and be in their bodies in a more nurturing, connected way."
Understanding Trauma
For a comprehensive grasp of what somatic therapy involves, a proper understanding of trauma is paramount. Trauma is an emotional response to extraordinarily stressful events that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, inflicts an intense fear of harm or death, and initiates feelings of helplessness. This type of psychological stress can be chronic, acute or complex, depending on the frequency and nature of the traumatic event.
How Somatic Therapy Helps Trauma
Somatic therapy equips individuals with self-regulation skills that can help manage the physical symptoms of trauma and regain control of their bodies. Although traditional talk therapies can identify and manage emotional responses to trauma, somatic therapy works a level deeper, managing physical responses embedded in a survivor's nervous system.
Popular Techniques in Somatic Therapy
While various techniques could be adapted depending on the individual's needs and therapist's specializations, some popular methods include:
- Somatic Experiencing: This technique focuses on releasing traumatic shock trapped in the body.
- Hakomi: A holistic approach that combines mindfulness and body-oriented techniques.
- Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: This technique uses the body (rather than talking) to uncover unconscious behavioral patterns developed in response to trauma.
- EMDR: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing utilizes bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements to help process traumatic memories.
Training and Finding Certified Somatic Therapists
Organizations like us at Aura Institute offer training programs to aspiring somatic therapists. Also, directories of certified somatic therapists can be found on Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health SASH or United States Association for Body Psychotherapy USABP
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does somatic therapy differ from traditional therapy?
Somatic therapy differs by its incorporation of physical therapies, essentially recognizing the influence of the body on mental health.
Q: Can I practice somatic therapy on my own?
Some techniques can be practiced individually under guidance, but it's advised to consult a certified professional for comprehensive treatment.
Q: Are there any side effects to somatic therapy?
While uncommon, potential side effects, like fatigue or heightened emotions due to the release of suppressed trauma, are manageable under professional guidance.
Q: How long does it take to see results from Somatic Therapy?
This varies depending on the nature and intensity of trauma. Regular sessions might be needed to observe considerable improvements.
In conclusion, as we unpack trauma and its therapeutic approaches, somatic therapy stands as a holistic treatment option enabling trauma survivors to reclaim their bodies and lives. This evidence-based practice continues to validate the proverb that the 'body keeps the score.'
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.