Somatic trauma therapy is a body-focused therapeutic approach designed to help individuals heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often centers on discussing emotional and mental health issues, somatic therapy takes the body’s physical responses into account. People who have endured trauma often experience tension, pain, or other physical discomforts that seem unrelated to their mental state but are, in fact, deeply connected.
At Tulua Therapy, based in Burnaby, B.C., we use this therapeutic approach to help clients address the trauma that is stored in their bodies. Through a series of practices that emphasize movement, body awareness, and mindfulness, clients learn to release physical blockages that prevent them from healing emotionally and mentally.
How Trauma Impacts the Body: The Mind-Body Connection
When we experience trauma, it leaves more than emotional scars. The body often reacts by holding onto that distress, causing tension, chronic pain, or other physical symptoms.
For instance, people may develop chronic muscle tension or an inability to relax certain parts of their body, which can result in headaches, back pain, or even digestive issues.
Unresolved trauma in the body can manifest in various ways:
- Muscle tension
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty breathing or a sense of constriction in the chest
- Anxiety and feelings of hypervigilance
Benefits of Somatic Therapy
Somatic healing offers several benefits to individuals seeking to overcome the lasting effects of trauma. By targeting both the emotional and physical responses to trauma, it provides a comprehensive way to promote healing. Some of the key benefits include:
- Emotional Regulation: Clients learn techniques to help them manage overwhelming feelings when they arise. By understanding and controlling their physical responses, they can better regulate their emotions.
- Reduction in Anxiety: By focusing on the body, individuals can learn to calm their nervous systems, reducing symptoms of anxiety and panic. Techniques like grounding and mindful breathing play a crucial role in helping people stay present, even when traumatic memories surface.
- Improved Physical Health: Since trauma is stored in the body, releasing physical tension can lead to better overall health. This can include reduced chronic pain, improved sleep, and a more relaxed state of being.
- Increased Body Awareness: By tuning into their body’s signals, individuals can learn to identify when they are holding onto tension or stress. This awareness helps them take steps to release these physical responses before they escalate into larger issues.
Our Approach to Somatic Trauma Therapy at Tulua Therapy
Our compassionate therapists in Burnaby guide clients through sessions designed to help them reconnect with their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental space.
Our sessions focus on:
- Body Awareness: We encourage clients to notice sensations in their bodies, whether it’s tension, discomfort, or areas that feel blocked. This heightened awareness helps them become more attuned to where they may be storing trauma.
- Mindful Movement: Gentle, intentional movements like stretching or shifting postures are part of our approach. These movements help release the tension stored in the body and allow emotions to flow more freely.
- Mindfulness Practices: Through mindfulness exercises, clients learn to stay present with their emotions and sensations without becoming overwhelmed. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have experienced dissociation or a disconnection from their bodies as a result of trauma.
Who Can Benefit from Somatic Healing?
Somatic healing is effective for a wide range of individuals, particularly those who have experienced trauma or who are dealing with persistent stress-related physical and emotional symptoms. This approach can be especially helpful for individuals facing:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety or panic disorders
- Depression linked to unresolved trauma
- Chronic pain, including headaches, muscle tension, and other bodily discomforts
- Emotional numbness or disconnection from the body
Techniques Used in the Therapy
This therapy employs several key techniques that aim to restore balance between the mind and body. Some of the most common techniques we use at Tulua Therapy include:
- Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises are essential for calming the nervous system. These techniques help regulate the body’s response to stress, allowing clients to feel more in control of their emotional and physical reactions.
- Body Movement and Stretching: Gentle movements and stretches encourage the release of tension and stored trauma. These exercises also promote greater body awareness and emotional release, helping clients to process trauma in a non-verbal way.
- Touch Therapy: In some cases, therapists may use light touch to assist clients in identifying areas of tension or emotional blockage. This can help guide clients to where they may be holding onto trauma.
Book a Somatic Therapy Session
If you’re struggling with the physical or emotional effects of trauma, somatic trauma therapy at Tulua Therapy can provide the support you need. Our team in Burnaby, B.C., is here to guide you on a healing journey that focuses on your body’s unique needs. Contact us today to book a session and start the process of releasing the trauma stored in your body.
