Somatic Trauma Therapy: Heal the Mind Through Movement

Healing from trauma is a multifaceted process that often requires addressing both the mind and the body.  Somatic trauma therapy focuses on using movement to release stored trauma and tension, while traditional talk therapies focus on cognitive and emotional aspects.   Somatic healing emphasizes the crucial connection between physical sensations and psychological states. This holistic approach can be particularly effective in alleviating trauma-related symptoms and promoting overall well-being.   Recently I was able to be a contributor to National Geographic where I explained Somatic Therapy for Trauma.

Somatic healing recognizes that trauma is not just stored in the mind but also manifests in the body. By engaging in somatic practices, individuals can release stored tension and trauma, fostering a deeper sense of healing and recovery.

How Trauma Affects the Body

Trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on the body. When a person experiences a traumatic event, their body’s natural response is to enter a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This response is designed to protect the individual in the face of danger. However, when the trauma is not fully processed, the body can remain in a heightened state of alertness. This can lead to a state of chronic stress and tension.

This prolonged state of stress can manifest in various physical symptoms. It can be anything from muscle tension, headaches, and digestive issues to chronic pain. Additionally, trauma can disrupt the normal functioning of the autonomic nervous system. This can disturb daily life, as it regulates bodily functions like heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. This dysregulation can lead to difficulties in calming down, feeling safe, and maintaining a sense of equilibrium.

Moreover, trauma is often stored in the body as implicit memories. Unlike explicit memories that can be easily recalled and verbalized, implicit memories are stored in the unconscious mind. These can be triggered by sensory cues, leading to flashbacks, panic attacks, or other involuntary reactions. This is why addressing the physical aspects of trauma is crucial for comprehensive healing.

The Science Behind Somatic Trauma Therapy

Somatic healing is grounded in the understanding that the body and mind are interconnected. Research has shown that traumatic experiences can alter brain function and structure. In particular, it affects areas related to stress response and emotional regulation. By engaging the body in the healing process, somatic practices can help to rewire these neural pathways. In effect, it can promote a sense of safety and calm.

One key aspect of somatic healing is the concept of body awareness. This involves paying attention to physical sensations, such as tension, pain, or warmth, without judgment. By cultivating body awareness, individuals can begin to recognize and release stored trauma. Techniques such as mindful breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery can help in this process.

Another important element of somatic healing is the use of movement. Physical activities that promote movement, such as yoga, dance, or tai chi, can help to release stored tension and improve emotional well-being. These activities encourage the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers and can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, somatic healing practices often involve grounding techniques, which help individuals feel more connected to their bodies and the present moment. Grounding can be achieved through activities like walking barefoot on natural surfaces, practicing deep breathing exercises, or engaging in mindful sensory experiences. These practices can help to stabilize the nervous system and promote a sense of safety and calm.

Exploring Different Paths Toward Healing Using Somatic Therapy

There are various somatic healing modalities that individuals can explore, each offering unique benefits and approaches to healing. Art therapy, for instance, allows individuals to express and process their emotions through creative activities such as drawing, painting, or sculpting. This non-verbal form of expression can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to articulate their trauma experiences.

Dance therapy is another powerful somatic healing modality. By using movement to express and release emotions, individuals can reconnect with their bodies and experience a sense of liberation and empowerment. Dance therapy can help to break down physical and emotional barriers, promoting greater self-awareness and emotional resilience.

Neurofeedback therapy is a more technologically advanced form of somatic healing. It involves using real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals learn how to regulate their brain function. This therapy can be particularly effective for individuals with trauma-related disorders, as it helps to retrain the brain and improve emotional regulation.

Brainspotting is another innovative technique that focuses on identifying and processing trauma stored in the body. During a brainspotting session, a therapist guides the individual to focus on specific eye positions that correspond to areas of stored trauma. This process can help to access and release deep-seated emotional pain, promoting healing and integration.

Combining Somatic Healing with Traditional Therapy

While somatic healing offers significant benefits, it is often most effective when combined with traditional therapy. A trauma therapist can provide valuable guidance and support throughout the healing process, helping individuals to navigate their trauma experiences and develop effective coping strategies.

Integrating somatic practices into traditional therapy can enhance the therapeutic process by addressing both the cognitive and physical aspects of trauma. A Somatic trauma therapist will help you identify the issue you want to work on, where it is stuck in your body, and use somatic interventions to help your body safely release your trauma. For many people, not needing to talk about their trauma is appealing and feels so much less retraumatizing than traditional talk therapy. Somatic trauma therapists stay more in the present, moving out of the past.

If individuals are interested in somatic healing, they should find a therapist who is trained in somatic trauma therapy. Somatic therapy is different from traditional therapy in that you will be moving around and given homework to practice the somatic exercises outside of the session. This work is still accessible via telehealth, and many clients feel more comfortable doing these exercises in the space of their choosing. Your therapist will collaborate with you to ensure an individualized, holistic, and personalized plan of care.

A trauma therapist in San Diego, for instance, may offer a range of somatic healing modalities and traditional therapy techniques, providing a well-rounded and integrative approach to healing. By working with a skilled therapist, individuals can explore the most effective strategies for their unique needs and experiences.

Start Your Somatic Healing Journey with Shay

Somatic healing is a powerful approach to trauma recovery that emphasizes the connection between mind and body. By addressing the physical manifestations of trauma and incorporating body-based practices, individuals can experience profound healing and transformation. Whether through art, dance, neurofeedback therapy, or brainspotting, there are numerous paths to explore on the journey toward recovery.

Combining somatic healing with traditional therapy can offer a comprehensive and effective approach to trauma recovery. By working with Shay, a certified trauma therapist, individuals can receive the support and guidance needed to navigate their healing journey. If you or someone you know is seeking help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trauma therapist, like Shay, in San Diego. Remember, healing is possible, and it’s never too late to start your journey toward recovery.     Use the button above to book a consultation or session now.   Healing is possible!