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.

In most cases, the practice is used to create a better sense of awareness of the present while helping release tension after a major or minor traumatic event. Pendulation, a part of the practice can often be used to move an individual from a dysregulated state, such as being frozen and not being able to move, to a regulated state in which the individual can once again function without assistance.

It is the return to this regulated state in which somatic experiencing becomes active. For, the practice is defined as anything which can help a client's nervous system return to a regulated state. In order to assist an individual in returning to regulation, resources can include reminding the individual of a beloved pet, relative or friend. For, when the individual can be taken out of the current state of fear and moved to a calmer emotion, the individual can often begin to function within a few minutes.

Clients going through the reregulation process often go through a process which can include a number of emotional responses. These responses are due to the rebounding of the nervous system and can include tears, a warm sensation, unconscious movement or a return to regular breathing patterns. The intention behind reregulation is intended to create an automatic response in clients during future episodes so that self-regulation becomes possible over time.

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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