Discovering Somatic Trauma Release For PTSD

By Dorothy Watson


Most often, individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder seek out help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. While this is the case, there are other programs which can be of assistance. In one case, Somatic Trauma Release is an approach which focuses primarily on healing the body in order to heal the mind.

Developed by Peter A. Levine, the Somatic Experiencing method related to traumatic experiences has become extremely successful. For, the approach releases a brief momentary shock, a practice which has found to be key in overcoming and transforming the wounds of early development attachment, PTSD and other traumatic experiences.

In the 1970s, Levine researched different stressors in animals which were always at fear of death. The research led to the development of the method, an approach which has repeatedly proved effective when dealing with an overwhelmed nervous system. The clinical methodology behind the approach is based on research as to how and why wildlife are not traumatized by threat of death while humans are often extremely fearful, some to the point of freezing in place, or reacting hysterically and out of proportion to that of the threat.

Dr. Levine founded the Somatic Experiencing Institute after receiving a doctorate in medical biophysics from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition, Levine also holds a doctorate in psychology and has worked in the field of trauma and stress for over forty years. While this is the case, the doctor is most well known for creating the Somatic Experiencing method.

The method, works to eliminate blockages in an individual during flight or fight mode or, when an individual is having a physiological reaction in which the body freezes. In doing so, a practitioner uses different clinical aspects including a number of trouble-shooting and problem solving tools in order to return the individual to a normal state. Most often, the tools used are featured prominently in different areas of the mental health field.

Once scientists began noticing that traumatic episodes often begin as an acute process, though can also exist in people whom have allowed the accumulation of multiple traumatic experiences, the method became even more popular. For, both types of stress have been known to interfere with an individual's normal routine and way of life. While this is the case, the method provides individuals the ability to eliminate emotional blockages and stress.

Stressors include a wide variety of emotions and events and can be brought on by birth defects, conflicts, phobias, physical or sexual assault, invasive medical procedures, accidents, neglect, natural disasters and war. When this is the case, the stressors can have a negative aspect on mental and physical health. Whereas, if individuals can learn to live life as it were before the event which created the trauma, many can return to happier and healthier lives.

Ultimately, the method developed by Dr. Levine, works to complete self-protective motor responses and the release of blocked survival instincts trapped in the body. As such, Somatic Experiencing addresses the root cause of various aspects of trauma. In doing so, clients are gently guided to develop an increased tolerance when reacting to suppressed emotions and bodily reactions and sensations.




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