Somatic Processing

Trauma-informed somatic work combines principles of trauma-informed care with somatic therapy techniques to support healing from trauma. Let's break down what each of these components means:

• Trauma-Informed Care: This approach recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and aims to create an environment that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment for survivors. It involves understanding how trauma affects individuals physically, emotionally, and socially, and integrating this knowledge into all aspects of care. Trauma-informed care emphasizes collaboration, choice, and sensitivity to the needs and experiences of survivors.
• Somatic Therapy: Somatic therapy focuses on the connection between the mind and body, recognizing that trauma is often stored in the body and can manifest as physical sensations, tension, or discomfort. Somatic therapy techniques aim to release this stored trauma and promote healing by accessing the body's innate wisdom and resources. This may involve practices such as breathwork, mindfulness, body awareness exercises, gentle movement, and touch.

Trauma-informed somatic work combines these two approaches to create a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore and process their experiences of trauma. Here's how it might look in practice:

• Creating Safety: The therapist ensures that the therapy space feels safe, welcoming, and non-threatening. They establish clear boundaries, communicate openly, and empower clients to make choices about their participation in the therapy process.
• Building Trust: Trust is essential in trauma healing. The therapist fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship by demonstrating empathy, respect, and authenticity. They validate clients' experiences, listen attentively, and honor their autonomy and self-agency.
• Body Awareness: Clients are encouraged to cultivate awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and posture. Through gentle exercises and guided practices, they learn to notice and track sensations in the body without judgment, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of how trauma is stored and expressed physically.
• Breathwork and Relaxation: Breathwork techniques are used to regulate the nervous system, promote relaxation, and increase resilience to stress. Clients learn to use their breath as a tool for self-regulation, grounding, and centering, helping them feel more present and embodied.
• Exploring Boundaries: Trauma can impact one's sense of boundaries and safety. Somatic work may involve exploring and renegotiating boundaries in a safe and supportive environment. Clients learn to listen to their body's signals, set healthy boundaries, and communicate their needs assertively.
• Integration: The goal of trauma-informed somatic work is to integrate fragmented aspects of the self and restore a sense of wholeness and connection. Clients learn to integrate their bodily experiences with their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, fostering a more coherent and embodied sense of self.

Overall, trauma-informed somatic work offers a holistic approach to trauma healing that honors the interconnectedness of the mind and body. By integrating principles of trauma-informed care with somatic therapy techniques, it supports individuals in reclaiming their agency, restoring balance, and cultivating resilience in the aftermath of trauma.