Somatic Experiencing, Somatic Trauma Release And PTSD

By Brenda Cooper


When it comes to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known by the acronym PTSD, there are different symptoms. In some cases, individuals freeze and lose the ability to function when being reminded of a trauma, in others individuals become overwhelmed with a number of emotions. In either case, there are alternative and holistic practices which can assist individuals suffering from PTSD, one of which is that of Somatic experiencing, also known as Somatic Trauma Release.

In the case of this practice, sessions are often provided which track an individual over time. Most often, those providing the practice are mental health professionals such as psychologists, psychotherapists or psychopathologists. Although, clergy, chaplains, social workers, marriage and family therapists, nurses, physicians, body workers and physical therapists have also been known to assist individuals through somatic experiencing.

Certified practitioners must complete a 3 year training course, eighteen hours of consultations and twelve hours of one-on-one sessions. Different types of Somatic experiencing include developmental trauma on a long term basis and shock oriented trauma on a shorter term. As such, the training allows individuals to learn the best methods for treating different times of trauma on a long or short term treatment plan.

The practice works to promote awareness while releasing physical tension which remains after a major or minor traumatic event. Pendulation is another aspect of this type of therapy and involves moving between dysregulation and regulation. In general, a client is assisted in moving into an alternate state of mind any time the individual is dysregulated.

Resources in this area, while limited can often be anything which can assist the nervous system return to a regulated state. In some cases, showing an individual photographs or publications can work to guide clients back to a regulated state. After which, once the individual returns to a regulated state, bodily function can often return within a matter of minutes.

Clients going through the reregulation process often go through a process which can include a number of emotional responses. These responses are due to the rebounding of the nervous system and can include tears, a warm sensation, unconscious movement or a return to regular breathing patterns. The intention behind reregulation is intended to create an automatic response in clients during future episodes so that self-regulation becomes possible over time.

Developmental and shock trauma are similar yet still share differences. For, developmental trauma often refers to individuals whom have birth defects or injuries to the brain which prevent the individual from experiencing a normal life. Whereas, shock trauma often refers to those whom were injured or shocked by military actions, car accidents, child physical or sexual abuse, adult victims of domestic or sexual abuse, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, physical attacks and other single or ongoing events.

Two separate and randomized studies of somatic experiencing as a PTSD treatment were completed and published in 2017. The results of both studies suggested positive results as an effective therapy method for PTSD. Whereas, the studies also concluded that in order to understand those whom will benefit most from the treatment, further research studies are the best way to do so.




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