Thursday, February 14, 2019

Somatic Trauma Release And PTSD Study Results

By Brenda Cooper


Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known as PTSD in modern culture often stems from experiencing a number of stressful events. While this is the case, there are a number of holistic and alternative approaches which can help those suffering from the condition. One of these approaches, while lesser known is that of Somatic trauma release or Somatic experiencing.

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.

While anyone can assist others with somatic experiencing, certified practitioners must go through a three year training process with additional work in the field to become certified. For, different types of trauma, including developmental and shock oriented require specific applications when it comes to treatment. As such, this training is useful in teaching individuals how to react to various symptoms of PTSD and associated conditions with the best methods possible.

In most cases, the practice is used to create a better sense of awareness of the present while helping release tension after a major or minor traumatic event. Pendulation, a part of the practice can often be used to move an individual from a dysregulated state, such as being frozen and not being able to move, to a regulated state in which the individual can once again function without assistance.

It is the return to this regulated state in which somatic experiencing becomes active. For, the practice is defined as anything which can help a client's nervous system return to a regulated state. In order to assist an individual in returning to regulation, resources can include reminding the individual of a beloved pet, relative or friend. For, when the individual can be taken out of the current state of fear and moved to a calmer emotion, the individual can often begin to function within a few 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.

There have been two distinct and separate studies in relation to somatic experiencing in correlation to PTSD. Whereas, these studies concluded that to understand how and why individuals benefit from this type of experience needs further research. At the same time, the discovery that the majority of individuals reacted positively to the studies is a good sign for researchers and those suffering from PTSD.




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