Discovering Somatic Trauma Release For PTSD

By Dorothy Watson


While most often individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder seek out the help of a mental health professional, there are other options. In one case, Somatic Trauma Release approaches trauma through body oriented healing techniques. For, if one can not heal the body, it can often be difficult to heal the mind or spirit. Whereas, when any aspect of body, mind and spirit are out of sync, it can often be difficult for individuals to perform at full potential.

Developed by Peter A. Levine, the Somatic Experiencing method related to traumatic experiences has become extremely successful. For, the approach releases a brief momentary shock, a practice which has found to be key in overcoming and transforming the wounds of early development attachment, PTSD and other traumatic experiences.

During a research project in the 1970s, Levine worked with animals, most of whom were always in fear of death though showed no outwardly signs of fear. After which, Levine noted that individuals can often become frozen or traumatized due to a physiological reaction when feeling threatened. As a result, the doctor then created a method in which individuals could overcome a number of fears and phobias based on past traumatic experiences.

Upon receiving doctoral degrees in psychology and biophysics, Dr. Levine founded an Institute focused on the Somatic Experiencing method. Since that time, Levine has been treating stress and trauma clients for over forty years. Still, the doctor remains most well known for developing the Somatic Experiencing method.

The method works to assess the blockages in a person when in fight or flight mode or frozen in a state of fear. In doing so, a Somatic Experiencing practitioner uses a number of clinical tools to break through the blockages and release emotions. In addition, the approach also provides effective and useful skills found in multiple areas of the mental and physical health fields.

As with all healing methods, there is science behind this type of healing process. For, individuals in the scientific community have now realized that stress can be brought on suddenly or after a long period in which an individual has accumulated stressors. In either case, the stressors have the ability to disrupt an individual's normal way of life. Whereas, by exploring different methods, individuals can often recover rather quickly and get back to life as usual.

Stressors from which different types of trauma can result include birth defects, birth trauma, natural disasters, war, neglect, emotional or physical abuse, physical or sexual assault, invasive medical practices, accidents, conflicts and phobias. In all cases, these stressors can have a negative aspect on body, mind and spirit. Whereas, if able to eliminate the fear these traumas create, an individual can often return to a happy and healthy life.

Ultimately, the method developed by Dr. Levine, works to complete self-protective motor responses and the release of blocked survival instincts trapped in the body. As such, Somatic Experiencing addresses the root cause of various aspects of trauma. In doing so, clients are gently guided to develop an increased tolerance when reacting to suppressed emotions and bodily reactions and sensations.




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