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Somatic Experiencing Therapy

female counselor reassures older woman in somatic experiencing therapyA traumatic experience can leave mental and physical scars. But long after any physical scars heal, trauma can continue to cause harm. One effective approach to trauma and PTSD treatment is somatic experiencing therapy.

The Theory of Somatic Experiencing Therapy

Somatic experiencing was developed after a psychologist observed that wild animals who experience life-threatening circumstances on a regular basis use physical movements to eradicate stress after such events. On the other hand, humans retain stress thinking about the traumatic event and attaching feelings like shame and guilt to it. Often this leads to a need for mental health treatment programs.

Somatic experiencing recreates the physical reactions to trauma (such as an increased heartbeat or a tensing of the muscles) in an incremental, controlled way. Once a few physical signs are identified, the therapist helps the individual develop a new physical reaction to the traumatic stimulus. This time, the reaction is much more positive, soothing, and calming.

With a new physical reaction addressed in each session, the mind adapts and copes with traumatic triggers greatly improves.

Applications of the Program

Somatic experiencing is a technique addressing the effects of trauma, which commonly manifests in the following ways and needing various treatments:

What Happens During a Somatic Experiencing Session?

Once your specially trained somatic experiencing therapist understands the source of your trauma, you will participate in some guided imagery. Also, your therapist for a description of the event to understand how your body reacted to a specific trauma. The therapist will then guide you through relevant movements to reunite your body’s nerve pathways and instinctive responses.

Promises Behavioral Health has expert therapists trained in somatic experiencing therapy, so you have someone to rely on. We’re here to help you through your trauma. Call us today at 844.875.5609 to get more information or start your journey in treatment.

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