Somatic therapy: how relaxing helps recover from trauma

Somatic refers to the body, separate from the mind. Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the body and mind to process stress and trauma. This approach uses physical movement, breathing techniques, and other bodily methods. The goal is to reduce mental and physical stress responses and support emotional regulation.

Somatic trauma memory refers to memories of stressful or traumatic events stored in the body. These memories can trigger physical reactions that interfere with normal functioning.

Somatic therapy is partially evidence-based and has been found particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders and trauma. Benefits include improved self-regulation, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a deeper understanding of personal bodily sensations and needs.

What is somatic trauma memory?

Somatic trauma memory refers to the storage of traumatic memories in the body, outside of conscious awareness. These memories are associated with physical sensations and emotional responses, which can be triggered by external events, leading to symptoms such as heart palpitations or stomach discomfort. It highlights the interconnectedness of body and mind in experiencing and retaining trauma, where the body holds onto traumatic events and manifests them through physical reactions.

Somatic release provides a way to heal these somatic trauma memories through therapies that focus on the body and its responses, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects for recovery.

According to Kolk, B. (1994) in “The Body Keeps the Score: Memory and the Evolving Psychobiology of Posttraumatic Stress,” published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, trauma is stored in somatic memories and influenced by the physiological stress response, with implications for psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy for PTSD.

How does somatic release help in treating trauma?

Somatic release helps treat trauma by involving the body in the healing process. This method recognizes that trauma is not only mental but also physically stored in the body.

Research suggests that stressful or traumatic experiences can cause changes in the biological and nervous systems, trapping emotions and sensations. Instead of focusing on recalling past events, somatic release emphasizes feeling and processing the physical sensations and symptoms associated with trauma.

Through movement, breathing techniques, and other body-centered therapies, individuals learn to identify, acknowledge, and ultimately release stored tensions in the body.

This approach leads to the release of trapped emotions and sensations, supporting the healing process. Somatic release sessions actively and intentionally engage the body in processing trauma, aiding in the recovery of both physical and mental aspects of traumatic experiences.

What exactly is somatic therapy?

Somatic therapy is a form of alternative therapy that focuses on the connection between body and mind to treat stress and trauma. The goal is to release stored tension in the body, often associated with chronic stress and traumatic experiences.

This therapy uses body-oriented techniques to help individuals become aware of their internal sensations and emotions.

By focusing on interoception (perceiving internal bodily processes), kinesthesia (perceiving body movement), and proprioception (perceiving body position), somatic therapy aims to restore the primary response networks disrupted by trauma.

This process is known as Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy, as described by Payne, Levine, & Crane-Godreau (2015) in their research published in Frontiers in Psychology.

SE therapy is effective in resolving symptoms of chronic and traumatic stress by intentionally guiding clients in observing their bodily sensations, which restores the functionality of their core response networks.

Sessions are tailored to individual needs and may include a combination of sensorimotor psychotherapy, cognitive techniques, and other methods aimed at promoting healing for conditions such as PTSD and other emotional and mental health disorders.

What types of somatic therapy modalities exist?

There are various modalities within somatic therapy, each with a unique approach to connecting the body and mind.

A well-known modality is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, developed by Pat Ogden. This approach focuses on the connection between body and mind by increasing awareness of body movements and postures. It helps clients recognize and change limiting cognitive beliefs and behaviors by using the body as an entry point.

Hakomi, developed by Ron Kurtz, is a mindfulness-centered therapy that helps individuals live in the present and promote well-being. It uses mindfulness to make clients aware of their bodily sensations and the meaning they assign to them, supporting self-awareness and healing.

Gestalt therapy offers a holistic approach focused on releasing defensive postures and promoting self-awareness and personal growth. It helps clients discover and achieve their purpose by gaining a deeper understanding of their bodily experiences and how these shape their reality.

Each somatic therapy modality provides specific approaches and techniques to support clients in their healing process, depending on their individual needs and experiences.

How does somatic therapy use experiences in emotional processing?

Somatic therapy uses experiences in emotional processing by focusing on bodily sensations and reactions related to emotions. This approach differs from traditional therapies by not only concentrating on cognitive processes but also on physical experiences.

It helps individuals connect with their internal world, allowing them to release stored or unresolved stress and emotions. By working with the body, such as tracking movements, contraction, and expansion, it promotes healing from emotional wounds.

Somatic therapy facilitates this process by gradually revisiting traumatic memories in a controlled and gentle manner without overwhelming the individual. This promotes the release of emotional blockages and supports the recovery process.

Who benefits from somatic therapy?

People with PTSD, anxiety disorders, and addiction can benefit from somatic therapy. Somatic Experiencing (SE), studied by Kuhfuß et al. (2021), has shown promise in treating symptoms related to PTSD. This therapy helps individuals process physically stored tension caused by traumatic events such as accidents or injuries.

SE aims to restore the nervous system to a healthy state of resilience and balance, which is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with trauma.

For those with anxiety disorders, somatic therapy offers a way to access and express deeper emotions such as sadness or shame, which may otherwise be difficult to reach. By working with the body, individuals learn to recognize and understand different physical sensations, which can help calm the nervous system and increase emotional resilience.

In addiction treatment, somatic therapy supports recovery by addressing the underlying emotional and physical tension that drives substance cravings. It helps individuals recognize the impulse to use substances as a form of self-medication and provides alternative coping strategies, increasing the likelihood of recovery.

While SE has shown promising results in treating PTSD-related symptoms and may be beneficial for other disorders, Kuhfuß et al. (2021) emphasize the need for more unbiased RCT research to further confirm its effectiveness.

Is Somatic Experiencing an evidence-based treatment?

Yes, Somatic Experiencing (SE) is considered an evidence-based treatment. Research has shown that SE contributes positively to reducing stress, trauma, and pain in individuals. Studies have demonstrated that this therapy is effective in alleviating symptoms of traumatic experiences.

Systematic reviews in scientific journals highlight the effectiveness of SE in improving physical functioning and reducing the intensity of chronic pain. These findings provide strong evidence supporting SE as a valuable intervention for individuals struggling with mental health issues.

What does a typical somatic session look like in a holistic rehabilitation clinic?

A typical somatic session in a holistic rehabilitation clinic involves a combination of techniques designed to help clients connect with their bodies to promote healing.

The session often begins with breathing exercises to increase awareness of bodily sensations. Therapists may incorporate mindfulness and awareness exercises, which are especially beneficial for individuals with PTSD, to support their healing process.

The session also includes the gradual release of physical tension through movement or specific body-focused therapies. Consistency in therapy is crucial to achieving the desired results.

Choosing the right techniques requires careful consideration and, in some cases, consultation with a healthcare provider to determine what is most suitable. A well-trained therapist guides clients through this process, focusing on increasing body awareness and promoting optimal healing.

What are the benefits of somatic therapy?

The benefits of somatic therapy include helping manage PTSD symptoms, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional imbalance by releasing stored tension and pain. It provides tools such as mindfulness, yoga, and tai chi, equipping individuals with self-regulation methods and reconnecting them with their bodies. These practices facilitate the release of tension and the transformation of thought patterns, leading to more balanced mental health.

By focusing on releasing bodily tension and developing a new awareness of body sensations, somatic therapy offers a pathway to healing. It teaches individuals how to rewire their brains and change thought patterns, contributing to overall well-being. Addressing the body-based responses caused by trauma helps reset and recondition the nervous system, which is crucial for the healing process.

What are the criticisms of whether somatic therapy truly works?

The main criticism of somatic therapies stems from their relatively new status as treatments. Despite extensive research, they lack empirically validated therapeutic approaches, making it challenging to gain widespread support.

Somatic therapies, which involve physical engagement, may feel uncomfortable or triggering for some clients. Additionally, the cost of sessions and the difficulty of finding well-trained therapists can be limiting factors.

However, they have shown effectiveness in treating trauma and improving quality of life by emphasizing the importance of understanding and enhancing bodily sensations.

Is somatic therapy the same as EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychological treatment that helps individuals overcome traumatic experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to enhance the processing of stored memories with the goal of improving mental health.

Somatic therapy and EMDR differ, though both emphasize the mind-body connection and aim to improve overall well-being. Somatic therapy focuses on recognizing and addressing physical responses to stress and trauma, aiming to help the body release built-up tension and reach a state of calm. It emphasizes the connection between body and mind, using bodily sensations to process and resolve psychological issues.

EMDR, on the other hand, primarily targets the processing of traumatic memories through specific techniques like eye movements. Both therapies seek to reduce psychological distress and improve mental health, but they do so through different approaches and techniques.

Is somatic therapy better for addicts than CBT?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is a form of therapy that helps individuals develop skills to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on challenging distorted thinking and learning healthier coping strategies to handle stressful situations.

Somatic therapy and CBT differ in approach and focus. Somatic therapy emphasizes the connection between body and mind, aiming to release tension stored in the body. The goal is to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and regulate their nervous systems. This can be particularly beneficial for addicts, as it helps them address the underlying emotional issues often associated with addiction.

On the other hand, CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors using a structured approach that aims to reframe thoughts and develop healthier ways to handle emotions and challenges.

Research by Beltman, Voshaar, & Speckens (2010) in the British Journal of Psychiatry shows that CBT significantly reduces depressive symptoms in individuals with somatic illnesses, particularly those with a depressive disorder.

The effectiveness of somatic therapy compared to CBT for addiction depends on individual needs and preferences. Some individuals benefit more from somatic therapy due to its unique focus on the body, which helps them address deeper, non-verbalized issues. Others prefer the more traditional, thought-focused approach of CBT, especially if they struggle with specific behavioral patterns or require a structured method to manage their thoughts and actions.