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SOMATIC EXPERIENCING® &
SOMATIC BODYWORK

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RESOLVING TOXIC STRESS & TRAUMA RESPONSES
to Restore Inner Freedom, Resiliency & Joy

 

Trauma & Toxic Stress may be the “Root Cause” of your Chronic Health Issues

I’ve been a wellness professional for 30 years and every day, I see how un-healed trauma and toxic stress responses, stored in the body, can be at the core of most health issues.

Somatic Experiencing® (SE) has given me a new framework to evolve and expand my current holistic understanding given the advances in research around human resiliency and the biology of trauma and survival.

~ Juanita Watson, CHT, CCN, LMT

Why is Somatic Experiencing® & Somatic Bodywork so powerful?

SE offers an easy and gentle way to work with the deep wisdom held in our body to repair and resolve the ruptures and un-healed survival responses that can happen due to stressful events. It is as if an event continues to live in our body until is is given the proper attention, time and setting to process and heal. Very often, we were not offered what was needed “in that moment” to heal.  As a result, we stay disconnected to our full life force and healthiest version of self.

SE is a guided internal experience, organic in nature and curated in the present moment to the specific needs of the client. No two sessions are alike. Ultimately, it is an embodiment modality, in which the client gently and gradually moves through “feeling & sensing” what is happening in their body as a healing process emerges. It can be a powerful reconnection after an event (or multiple events), caused the nervous system to get stuck in an un-resolved stress response.

Somatic (“of the body”) based therapies are usually the “missing piece” in protocols for chronic health issues like digestive problems, chronic pain, autoimmune syndromes, inflammation, weight issues, headaches, and fatigue. The list goes on. It’s even now being used to relieve long Covid symptoms.
 
*SE is not a replacement for psychotherapy, although many licensed mental health professionals are now beginning to incorporate SE into their methodologies. Juanita’s format will not focus on talk therapy and the story of the event, but on the body’s actual current lived experience of symptoms and moving into a new healthier state beyond.
Unhealed Trauma Symptoms

Because unresolved trauma affects the mind-body connection, it can become intricately connected to myriad of physical, emotional, and mental health issues.  It can even affect our ability for self-love, self-care and maintaining healthy relationships with ourself and others. 

Somatic Experiencing® and Somatic Integration Bodywork can address:

  • Gut health issues – constipation, motility issues, food sensitivities, chronic infections, needs for continuous detox protocols
  • Chronic pain and systemic inflammation
  • Autoimmune conditions including fibromyalgia 
  • Fatigue, brain fog, forgetfulness, disconnected, ungrounded 
  • Anger and frustration
  • Fear and shame
  • Self-sabotage, poor self-care, lack of boundaries
  • Headaches, migraines, dizziness
  • Weight issues – inability to lose weight
  • Adrenal fatigue, HPA axis dysregulation, blood sugar issues
  • Anxiety, insomnia, and worry

Trauma is a fact of life. It does not have to be a life sentence.

~ Peter A. Levine PhD,  creator of Somatic Experiencing ® “Waking the Tiger”, “Healing Trauma”, “In an Unspoken Voice”, “How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness”, “Trauma and Memory, Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past”

Restore Your Nervous System Resiliency 

Healing somatic trauma symptoms through modalities like Somatic Experiencing® (SE) offers profound benefits that extend far beyond physical relief. Addressing trauma stored within the body’s sensations and experiences can result in significant improvements in mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

One of the primary advantages of healing somatic trauma symptoms lies in the regulation of the nervous system. Traumatic experiences often lead to dysregulation, causing individuals to exist in a heightened state of arousal (hypervigilance) or a state of shutdown (numbness or dissociation). SE, by gently exploring and processing bodily sensations associated with trauma, assists in regulating these responses. This regulation allows for increased resilience, reduced anxiety, and enhanced emotional regulation.

Furthermore, the resolution of somatic trauma symptoms through SE can significantly alleviate physical manifestations of trauma. Chronic pain, tension, and other physical discomforts often linked to unresolved trauma can gradually diminish as the body releases the stored energy associated with traumatic experiences. This release contributes to a reduction in psychosomatic symptoms, fostering a sense of relief and improved physical well-being.

Another key benefit lies in the restoration of a sense of safety and connection within oneself. Healing somatic trauma symptoms enables individuals to reconnect with their bodies in a more positive and regulated manner. This reconnection facilitates a deeper understanding and acceptance of bodily sensations and emotions, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.

Moreover, addressing somatic trauma symptoms contributes to improved relationships and social engagement. By regulating the nervous system and reducing the impact of unresolved trauma, individuals often experience enhanced capacity for authentic connection and healthier relationships. This increased social engagement can lead to a sense of belonging and support, further aiding in the healing process.

Additionally, healing somatic trauma symptoms through modalities like SE can promote personal growth and resilience. As individuals gradually process and integrate past traumatic experiences, they often develop a greater capacity to cope with stress, adversity, and future challenges. This newfound resilience empowers individuals to navigate life’s complexities with a stronger sense of self and increased emotional stability.

In essence, healing somatic trauma symptoms encompasses a holistic transformation that positively impacts various aspects of an individual’s life. Through the regulation of the nervous system, alleviation of physical discomforts, restoration of safety and connection, improved relationships, and personal growth, addressing somatic trauma symptoms fosters profound healing and facilitates a renewed sense of well-being and vitality.

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Additional Resources

There is a tremendous amount of information online about somatic healing and trauma resolution.  With a growing body of science and research to back what has been brewing in the bodywork field since the 1970’s, we really are in a very groundbreaking time.

Here’s a start:

STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY-MIND CONNECTION…

There is no shame in having stored trauma (stress) that is in need of resolution. Welcome to the human condition. We are all in this together.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Somatic Experiencing, and how does it work?

Somatic Experiencing is a holistic therapeutic approach focused on the body’s physical sensations and responses to trauma. It employs gentle exploration of bodily sensations associated with traumatic experiences to facilitate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. SE doesn’t rely heavily on verbal recounting of traumatic events but rather encourages clients to track bodily sensations linked to trauma.

Through this process, SE aims to discharge the unresolved energy stored in the nervous system, thereby assisting in the resolution of trauma-related symptoms.

How is Somatic Experiencing different from traditional talk therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily involves discussing thoughts and emotions, Somatic Experiencing delves deeply into bodily sensations related to trauma. Rather than focusing solely on narrative recounting, SE emphasizes bodily experiences and the regulation of the nervous system’s responses.

This approach allows clients to explore and gradually process traumatic experiences without necessarily needing to verbally articulate every detail of the event.

What can I expect in an SE session?

During a Somatic Experiencing session, the therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for you to explore bodily sensations linked to trauma. The session may involve guided exercises to help you track these sensations, regulate your nervous system, and gradually discharge stored energy associated with trauma.

The therapist assists in fostering a sense of safety and containment while gently guiding you through the exploration of your bodily experiences.

How long does Somatic Experiencing therapy take?

The duration of Somatic Experiencing therapy varies for each individual based on various factors such as the nature of the trauma, its impact, and individual pacing. While some clients may experience significant progress in a few sessions, others may benefit from longer-term therapy. The duration is often determined collaboratively based on your specific needs and therapeutic goals.

Will Somatic Experiencing make me re-experience traumatic events?

Somatic Experiencing aims to avoid re-traumatization by employing a gentle approach to exploring bodily sensations related to trauma. Rather than directly reliving events, SE guides you through manageable experiences of bodily sensations linked to the trauma. This process allows for the gradual discharge of trapped energy without overwhelming you with the details of the traumatic event.

Are there any side effects or risks associated with Somatic Experiencing?

While Somatic Experiencing is designed to be gentle and safe, trauma processing may occasionally bring forth temporary emotions or sensations associated with the trauma. These could include brief periods of heightened emotions or physical sensations. Your therapist will support and guide you through any challenges that arise during the therapeutic process.

How will I know if Somatic Experiencing is working for me?

Signs of progress in Somatic Experiencing may include a reduction in anxiety, improved sleep patterns, increased emotional regulation, or a greater sense of safety and resilience. Progress can also manifest as a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and emotions, along with a feeling of greater connection to oneself.

Can I combine Somatic Experiencing with other forms of therapy or treatment?

Yes, Somatic Experiencing can be effectively integrated with other therapeutic modalities or treatments. It’s crucial to communicate openly with your therapist about any other therapies or treatments you’re engaging in to ensure a cohesive and supportive approach that best suits your individual needs and goals. Coordination between therapies can enhance the overall therapeutic process and provide a more comprehensive approach to healing.

Design Rachel Pesso
Development Alchemy + Aim