While many of us understand trauma as a psychological experience, trauma is also stored in the body. Anyone who has experienced trauma knows how you feel the rush of adrenalin, the tension in your body and the pounding of your heart.
Somatic, which can be translated to mindbody (as one word, to suggest there is no difference between the mind and the body) seeks to help people understand that any psychological impacts from trauma also show up in the body. As such, we can heal the struggles of the mind by healing the body. In this article, we'll delve into the biological explanation of how trauma is stored in the body what somatic therapy entails, and how counselling can release trauma from the body and in turn, the mind.
Understanding How Trauma is Stored in the Body
The Biological Explanation: Trauma in the Nervous System
At a biological level, trauma is an imprint on the nervous system left by an overwhelming experience that exceeds an individual’s capacity to cope. When we encounter a threatening situation, our autonomic nervous system (ANS) activates the fight, flight, or freeze response. This response is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which releases adrenaline and other stress hormones to prepare the body to either confront or escape the threat.
However, if a person is unable to effectively process the traumatic event—either because the threat is too severe or prolonged, or because the individual is immobilized by the freeze response—the energy mobilized by the SNS remains trapped in the body. The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which is responsible for calming the body down after a threat has passed, may fail to restore balance, resulting in dysregulation of the nervous system.
This dysregulation manifests as somatic symptoms: chronic pain, tension, gastrointestinal issues, and even cardiovascular problems. Neurobiologically, trauma can alter the function and structure of key brain regions involved in stress response and emotional regulation. The body remains in a state of hyper-arousal or shutdown, continuously replaying the traumatic event at a physiological level.
An Example: Ari's Almost Car Crash
But what does this ANS, SNS, PNS stuff actually mean?? Let's use an example to illustrate what's happening:
Ari was driving home from work when day, when a car appeared out of nowhere, barreling straight towards him. Ari slammed on the brakes and braced for impact. But the collision never happened. The other car swerved away at the last second. Ari’s heart pounded, his muscles clenched, ready to protect himself, but the crash he prepared for never came. Even though he was safe, his body didn't forget. Over time, he noticed tension in his neck and back, a constant clenching in his chest. It was as if his body was still waiting for the impact. What somatic healing can teach Ari is that his body had held onto that uncompleted action, storing the unspent energy of the almost-crash.
When trauma happens (or almost happens) our bodies prepare for it in numerous ways. If we don't have the opportunity, after the trauma, for our body to learn that we are safe now, our bodies may stay in a state of response. In turn, our mind can also get stuck waiting for the trauma to happen or try to see that it is over.
Why It's Important to Release Stored Trauma
Holding onto trauma can significantly impact our overall well-being. Not only does it keep us in a state of heightened stress, but it can also affect our ability to connect with others and live fully. Releasing stored trauma is crucial because:
1. Reduces Physical Symptoms: By releasing trauma, we can alleviate chronic pain and tension that might be plaguing our bodies.
2. Enhances Emotional Well-being: Letting go of trauma helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and other emotional disturbances.
3. Improves Relationships: When we are not weighed down by unprocessed trauma, we can engage more authentically and openly with others.
4. Restores a Sense of Control: Releasing trauma can empower us, helping us feel more in control of our lives and our responses to future stressors.
What is Somatic Work?
Somatic work, which focuses on the connection between the mind and body, involves techniques that help individuals become more aware of their bodily sensations and learn to release stored trauma. Dr. Levine’s Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a prominent approach in this field, though this is only one form of somatic work. Others include Sensorimotor therapy, Body-Mind Centering and the Hakomi method. Regardless of which method, they all share some key components.
Key Components of Somatic Work:
- Body Awareness: Becoming attuned to physical sensations in the body and allowing them to guide you towards healing.
- Grounding Techniques: Practices that help anchor individuals in the present moment.
- Release Exercises: Specific movements or exercises that help release stored energy from the body.
How Somatic Techniques Help Release Trauma
Somatic techniques aim to gently guide individuals through their trauma without overwhelming them. Here are some ways these techniques facilitate trauma release:
1. Titration: This involves breaking down the traumatic experience into manageable pieces, allowing the individual to process it without becoming overwhelmed.
2. Pendulation: Moving between states of distress and calm to help the nervous system regulate itself.
3. Resourcing: Identifying and using positive memories or sensations to help stabilize the individual during the healing process.
An analogy to understand this better is to think of trauma like a stick stuck in the mud that you are trying to pull out. If you pull too quickly, the stick will release but you'll fall on the ground behind you, which could cause harm. Instead, somatic techniques allow you to gently wiggle the stick back and forth until it comes out of the mud, while allowing you to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground.
Why Somatic Work is Effective
Somatic work is effective because it addresses trauma at its root—the body. Traditional talk therapy often focuses on the cognitive aspects of trauma, which is important, but it may not be sufficient for complete healing. By incorporating somatic techniques, we can:
- Engage the Body’s Natural Healing Processes: Allowing the body to complete the defensive actions that were interrupted during the trauma.
- Restore Balance to the Nervous System: Helping the body move out of a state of chronic stress and into a state of regulation.
- Create New Patterns: Developing healthier ways of responding to stress and trauma in the future.
How Therapy Can Help
Working with a trained somatic therapist can be immensely beneficial. These professionals are skilled in guiding individuals through the somatic techniques necessary for healing. They provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore their trauma and learn to release it effectively.
Therapists can help by:
- Providing Guidance: Teaching techniques and exercises tailored to the individual's needs.
- Offering Support: Creating a safe space for the individual to express and process their trauma.
- Monitoring Progress: Helping the individual track their healing journey and make adjustments as needed.
Final Thoughts
Somatic techniques provides a powerful framework for understanding and healing trauma. By recognizing that trauma is stored in the body and addressing it through somatic work, we can achieve deeper and more lasting healing.
Healing trauma is not a linear journey. It requires patience, self-compassion, and often the guidance of a skilled therapist. But by engaging with somatic techniques, we can release the burdens that weigh us down and move towards a life of greater freedom and joy.
If you’re interested in exploring somatic techniques further, consider reaching out to schedule a somatic therapy session. Taking the first step towards healing can be daunting and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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