When we think of trauma, we often focus on how it affects the mind. We’re often left with bad memories, negatively charged emotions, and lingering thoughts of the distressing event that trigger nightmares or flashbacks.
But trauma doesn’t just live in the mind. The body actually holds just as much of our story as our mind does. Traditional talk therapy can be helpful for trauma, but it often misses this crucial aspect. Somatic therapy, a body-centered approach to healing, helps us uncover how we’re physically carrying pieces of our trauma.
What Is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma has a deep physical impact on your body. An overwhelming experience sends your nervous system into survival mode, which can show up as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, depending on the situation.
Once the danger passes, however, it’s possible that the stress response gets stuck, leaving you in a state of reactivity or disconnect. Rather than trying to talk through what happened, somatic therapy teaches you how to tune into the sensations you’re feeling and impulses your body is holding. The goal of this process is to allow you to complete the stress cycle and restore your natural sense of safety.
How Trauma Can Present in Your Body
You might experience the physical effects of trauma in your body in a variety of ways. Below are some examples of these symptoms:
- Chest tightness
- Chronic upper body tension
- Difficulty being fully present
- Digestive issues
- Feeling disconnected or numb
- Feeling on edge or unable to relax
- Rapid heart rate
- Shallow breathing
- Sudden waves of emotions that come out of nowhere
These signs could stem from several different causes, but they don’t necessarily mean something is medically wrong with you. It could be a sign that your body is attempting to protect you from pain.
The Somatic Approach to Healing
Somatic therapy works by helping you build awareness of what’s happening in your body. During your session work, you’ll learn how to notice sensations, track where in your body you feel tight or open, and explore what movements help release stuck energy.
The somatic approach helps create a safe atmosphere where your nervous system can begin to unwind the protective patterns it’s been holding onto since the traumatic event. There’s no need to force yourself into anything you’re uncomfortable talking about or having to relive painful memories.
You might start with breath work that directs your focus to areas that hold tension and alleviates it. You may see how small movements help complete the trauma processing that should have happened, such as pushing away or running.
The goal of somatic therapy is to guide your body in acknowledging that any danger from this trauma has passed and that you can safely relax. It’s okay to start feeling your feelings and be present in your daily life.
The Value of the Mind and Body Connection
We understand that healing trauma requires addressing all parts of you. Your thoughts are not the most important aspect of healing. Your body and spirit also have a key role.
Somatic therapy takes a holistic approach and works with your body’s natural capacity to heal. You’re the expert of your own experience, and with a little guidance, you can learn how to listen to what it needs and restore a healthy balance.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to address trauma at its roots and reconnect with your body’s wisdom, somatic therapy for trauma might be the missing piece in your healing journey. You don’t have to carry the burden of a past trauma with you on your own.
We specialize in a holistic approach to healing that can help you release what no longer serves you. When you’re ready, contact us to get started.
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