How Somatic Experiencing Can Assist In The Processing Of Trauma?

Not just in time, but also in the future, traumatic experiences can have a significant impact.

Trauma and other mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, can result in physical symptoms as well.

Thus, somatic (meaning “of the body”) treatment is necessary. This therapeutic strategy focuses on the mind-body link to address both the physical and psychological symptoms of specific mental health issues, such as:

• Trauma
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Depression

The purpose of somatic experiencing (SE) is to help you become aware of physiological sensations caused by mental health disorders and to utilize this awareness to identify and overcome uncomfortable or upsetting feelings.

SE allows you to deal with emotional symptoms, such as feelings of rage, guilt, or shame, by letting you access and heal the trauma that persists in the body.

This technique employs a body-first approach to manage symptoms, with the belief that healing or releasing the trauma’s felt experience can also aid in emotional recovery.

It can be especially beneficial for physical symptoms associated with trauma, abuse, and other forms of mental distress, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Digestive issues
• Muscular tension, and discomfort
• Sleep troubles
• Respiratory conditions

Once these physical symptoms have subsided, the majority of individuals find it much simpler to concentrate on managing the psychological difficulties.

Aspects To Consider

If you’re interested in attempting SE, there are a few factors you should consider first.

Absence Of Evidence

Although many people have experienced positive results using SE, there is currently a dearth of scientific data to support this method.

In 2017, the first randomized controlled trial investigating the efficacy of this treatment for PTSD symptoms was published. The study has significant limitations, such as a limited sample size, but the results indicate that SE is an effective therapy for PTSD.

Other forms of study, such as case studies, also demonstrate the potential advantages of SE.

According to a 2015 evaluation of the efficacy of several body-oriented treatments, these techniques can help treat a variety of conditions with little adverse effects.

Still, further high-quality research is required to completely comprehend the efficacy of SE.

Employing Touch

A third point is that SE frequently includes physical contact, which most therapists avoid. According to body-oriented treatments, therapeutic touch may be incredibly beneficial for many individuals, and SE therapists are often trained on how to use therapeutic touch successfully and responsibly.

If you have concerns about the use of contact or simply do not feel comfortable with the notion, be sure to tell your therapist.

Identifying A Provider

This sort of somatic treatment is only practiced by trained Somatic Experiencing Practitioners (SEP) such as https://irishealing.com/. Look for a therapist who has earned the SEP certificate if you’re contemplating using SE.

Considering that contact is typically a component of the process, you may feel comfortable with a therapist of a particular gender; keep this in mind while evaluating possible therapists.

Even indirect exposure to a traumatic event might be tough. Even though you don’t spend each session talking about the incident, counseling may include some re-experiencing.

It is essential to select a therapist with whom you feel comfortable discussing any unpleasant or painful emotions or recollections with more ease.

The Conclusion

The mind-body link is probably greater than we believe, which opens the door to new therapeutic therapies, including SE.

While the evidence is currently scarce, the research that does exist shows it can be beneficial. Consider giving it a try if you’re seeking a method that treats both the psychological and bodily symptoms of trauma.