Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Trauma Release And PTSD

By Brenda Cooper


Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known as PTSD in modern culture often stems from experiencing a number of stressful events. While this is the case, there are a number of holistic and alternative approaches which can help those suffering from the condition. One of these approaches, while lesser known is that of Somatic trauma release or Somatic experiencing.

Sessions are often provided in person and involve tracking client experiences on an ongoing basis. Most often, practitioners are mental health professionals. Individuals working in this area often include clergy, chaplains, physical therapists, bodyworkers, physicians, nurses, psychotherapists, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers.

Whether a mental health professional or otherwise, individuals often need to complete eighteen hours of consultations and twelve hours of one-on-one sessions after completing a three year training program to work in this area. For, practitioners need to have a clear understanding of different types of trauma and how somatic experiencing can help either on a short or long-term basis.

The practice works to promote awareness while releasing physical tension which remains after a major or minor traumatic event. Pendulation is another aspect of this type of therapy and involves moving between dysregulation and regulation. In general, a client is assisted in moving into an alternate state of mind any time the individual is dysregulated.

Resources related to Somatic experiencing are often defined as anything which can help the nervous system of a client return to a regulated state. Some of these resources can be remembering a close friend or relative, pet or other elements which have the potential to minimize stress. For, when an individual can be taken out of one state of mind and moved to a more positive one, the individual can often function better in all areas of life.

While re-regulating, the client will most likely go through a process which can include the ability to breathe easily again, unconscious movement, a warm sensation, tears or other responses which indicate the nervous system is returning to a baseline presence. The intention of re-regulation is intended to reinforce a client's inherent ability to self-regulate. After which, clients can more easily identify when in an unhealthy state of mind and automatically shift to a healthier one.

Developmental and shock trauma are similar yet still share differences. For, developmental trauma often refers to individuals whom have birth defects or injuries to the brain which prevent the individual from experiencing a normal life. Whereas, shock trauma often refers to those whom were injured or shocked by military actions, car accidents, child physical or sexual abuse, adult victims of domestic or sexual abuse, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, physical attacks and other single or ongoing events.

Two separate and randomized studies of somatic experiencing as a PTSD treatment were completed and published in 2017. The results of both studies suggested positive results as an effective therapy method for PTSD. Whereas, the studies also concluded that in order to understand those whom will benefit most from the treatment, further research studies are the best way to do so.




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