We all have experiences with trauma at some point in our lives. Trauma is experienced differently from person to person. Therefore what someone experiences as a “little” trauma, may be experienced as something big in another person.
Trauma is a complex and pervasive experience that can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Traditional talk therapies have been effective in treating some aspects of trauma, but they may not be enough for everyone. That’s where somatic-based therapies come in. Somatic-based therapies are an approach that incorporates the body and physical sensations into the healing process. In this blog post, we’ll explore somatic-based therapies and their application to trauma.
What is somatic-based therapy?
Somatic-based therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the body and its physical sensations, as well as emotions and thoughts. It aims to integrate the mind and body to promote healing and growth.
Somatic-based therapy can take many forms, including somatic experiencing, dance therapy, yoga therapy, and more.
How does somatic-based therapy help with trauma?
Trauma can be stored in the body and can manifest as physical symptoms such as tension, pain, and discomfort.
Somatic-based therapy helps individuals identify and release the trauma held in their bodies by focusing on physical sensations and using movement and breathwork to release tension and promote relaxation.
By bringing awareness to the physical sensations associated with trauma, individuals can process the trauma in a safe and supportive environment.
Benefits of somatic-based therapy for trauma
Somatic-based therapy has several benefits for individuals who have experienced trauma. Here are some of the most significant benefits:
- Increased awareness: Somatic-based therapy helps individuals develop greater awareness of their body and physical sensations. By tuning in to these sensations, individuals can develop a better understanding of how their body reacts to trauma and learn to regulate their physical responses.
- Improved emotional regulation: Trauma can lead to emotional dysregulation, making it challenging to manage emotions effectively. Somatic-based therapy can help individuals regulate their emotions by focusing on the physical sensations associated with them.
- Reduced physical symptoms: Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms such as tension, pain, and discomfort. Somatic-based therapy can help reduce these symptoms by releasing the stored trauma in the body.
- Increased sense of safety: Trauma can leave individuals feeling unsafe and vulnerable. Somatic-based therapy can help individuals develop a greater sense of safety and security in their body, which can translate to other areas of their life.
Somatic-based therapies are a promising approach to treating trauma.
By incorporating the body and physical sensations into the healing process, individuals can develop greater awareness of their body, improve emotional regulation, reduce physical symptoms, and increase their sense of safety.
If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, somatic-based therapy may be a beneficial option to consider. Be sure to work with a trained practitioner to get the most out of the therapy.