Somatic Therapy for Trauma-Informed Healing

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What is Somatic Therapy?

‍Somatic therapy is a holistic therapeutic modality that recognizes the inseparable connection between your mind and body. It acknowledges that traumatic experiences can become trapped in the body, leading to various physical and emotional symptoms. This form of therapy focuses on releasing and healing trauma by engaging the body's innate capacity to heal itself.

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How Does Somatic Therapy Work?

Somatic therapy works by helping you develop a greater awareness of their bodily sensations, movements, and felt experiences. Our skilled somatic therapists guide you through gentle and supportive practices that encourages you to reconnect with your body and release stored tension and trauma.

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Key techniques used in somatic therapy may include:

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1. Body Sensations:

You are encouraged to pay attention to physical sensations, such as tension, pain, or relaxation, as they relate to emotions and memories. By becoming aware of bodily sensations, you can gain insight into the effects of trauma on your body, as well as learn to regulate your emotions.

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2. Breath work:

Focusing on the breath helps you connect with their bodies and release stored tension. Various breathing exercises may be used to promote relaxation, grounding, and self-regulation, empowering you to manage your emotional state more effectively.

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3. Movement and Posture:

Engaging in gentle movements, such as yoga or tai chi, or stretching, can help you reconnect with your body while promoting relaxation and embodiment. Exploring and adjusting posture can also bring awareness to areas of the body that may hold trauma-related tension.

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4. Somatic Release:

This therapeutic approach encourages you to slowly and safely explore bodily sensations associated with traumatic memories. By tracking sensations and allowing the body to complete self-protective responses that may have been interrupted during the traumatic event, healing can occur.

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Benefits of Somatic Therapy

‍Somatic therapy can offer numerous benefits to individuals experiencing trauma
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1. Improved Mind-Body Connection:

Somatic therapy helps you develop a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection and cultivates self-awareness, empowering you to better regulate you emotions and respond to triggers.

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2. Decreased Physical Symptoms:

By releasing tension and trauma stored in the body, somatic therapy can help alleviate physical symptoms related to trauma, such as chronic pain, headaches, or digestive problems.

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3. Enhanced Emotional Resilience:

Somatic therapy provides you with tools to regulate your emotions, manage stress, and cultivate a greater sense of well-being. You can develop emotional resilience and find healthier ways to cope with the aftermath of trauma.

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4. Post-Traumatic Growth:

Through somatic therapy, you can experience post-traumatic growth, which involves developing a sense of strength, resilience, and even positive personal transformation in the aftermath of trauma. If you would like to explore somatic therapy as part of your healing journey, our experienced therapists at Providence therapy are here to provide a safe and supportive space for your growth and recovery.