What is Somatic Trauma Therapy?
Somatic trauma therapy is a therapeutic approach that seeks to identify and address bodily and sensory responses related to past traumatic experiences.
Through this perspective, it is understood that trauma is stored in the body and can manifest in the form of muscular tensions, dysfunctional physiological and emotional responses.
These physical and sensory manifestations of trauma are seen as coping mechanisms that were activated in times of overwhelming stress and could not be discharged at the time.
The aim of Somatic Trauma Therapy is to help the person recognize, release and reintegrate these dysfunctional somatic responses, allowing for a more complete recovery and a higher quality of life.
"Trauma is not what happens to you, but what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."
Gabor Maté
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In Somatic Trauma Therapy, regulation of the nervous system is fundamental. Trauma, in its various forms, can overload and dysregulate the nervous system, leaving the person trapped in chronic fight or flight responses or in a frozen state. These imbalances can manifest in a wide range of symptoms, such as anxiety, hyper-vigilance, insomnia, nightmares, chronic pain, and overwhelming emotional responses.
Regulation of the nervous system allows a person to feel safer in their body and in the world, which is essential for processing trauma. As the activation of the sympathetic nervous system (fight/flight) is reduced and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) is activated, people can begin to release the energy trapped in chronic stress responses and address the roots of trauma more effectively.
This is achieved by using the Somatic 'Felt Sense'. Essentially 'feeling' sensations from your body, and allowing the therapist to help you navigate what your body allows to come up at any time.
All sessions are unique. Everybody will have their own personal experience of how somatics works for them. It's a practice that needs to be navigated with kindness, curiosity, and permission for you to get used to the therapy, allowing your system time to process in the time it needs to process it. This varies from one person to another, from one 'thing to be released' and another. It's part of the beauty of the work. It's entirely organic. No drugs, nothing forced.
Re-regulation can include many characteristics that may seem odd, but are welcomed. Things like involuntary movements, sweating, emotional connection, tears, burping and even farting! Please know these are all normal, to let them play out, and not feel you have to suppress any.
It's a gentle therapy that can lead to strong paths of re-regulation activity. The important thing is to stay feeling safe. Stay curious and kind with yourself, and what ever comes up. Stick to navigating on the 'edges' of what we find, and we will get there!
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