When I started my private practice 6 years ago I identified myself as a “Generalist Practitioner” which in hindsight was an ideal way to try on various clinical approaches. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic, Brief-Solution Focused Approaches, Animal Assisted Therapy Interventions, Mindfulness, Family Systems Theory were my primary methods. It’s good to have a mixed bag of interventions to draw from. With my Critical Incident Response Certification I began increasing my Trauma Informed practices. Somatic Experiencing (SE) was the missing link to round my practice. SE’s philosophy is to support individuals to get out of our heads and into our bodies. Our bodies hold our stories and SE offers an opportunity to really listen to what is being said. The story comes through in the form of body sensation. Sensation (whether pleasant or unpleasant) is given attention without judgment or assessment. It is observed. In order to heal trauma, we need to trust the messages our bodies are providing us. The messages come in the form of a “felt sense”.

“Trauma is the most avoided, ignored, denied, misunderstood and untreated cause of human suffering” Peter Levine, 2008. Trauma is a (perceived or real) life-threatening event where the nervous system becomes overwhelmed. Examples of trauma are War; Being left alone as a child; Illness; Rape; Betrayal; Fall; Minor or Major automobile accidents; Sudden Loud Noises (especially in children and babies); Birth stress for both mother and infant; etc. The effects of unresolved trauma can trigger physical pains, symptoms and disease. It can lead to a range of self-destructive behaviors, addictions, poor decision-making, isolation, mental health diagnoses, and take a toll on relationships and families. It can impact us in ways that don’t show up for years. Trauma is about losing connection with ourselves, our bodies, our loved ones and to the world around us.

Symptoms of Trauma include:

Hypervigilance; Intrusive imagery; Flashbacks; Extreme sensitivity to light and sound; Hyperactivity; Exaggerated emotional and startle responses; Nightmares and night terrors; Abrupt mood swings; Shame and lack of self-worth; Difficulty sleeping; Panic attacks; Anxiety; Phobias; Spaced-out feelings; Avoidance behavior; Attraction to dangerous situations; Addictive behaviors; Exaggerated or diminished sexual activity; Forgetfulness; Inability to love; Bond or nurture other individuals; Fear of dying; Self-mutilation; Excessive shyness; Diminished emotional responses; Inability to make commitments; Chronic fatigue; Immune system problems and certain endocrine problems such as thyroid malfunction and environmental sensitivities; Psychosomatic illnesses, particularly headaches, migraines and neck and back pain; Chronic pain; Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Skin Disorders, Digestive problems; Severe PMS, Feelings of impending doom; Living dead feeling; Reduced ability to formulate a plan; etc.

Our memories lie in our bodies and are communicated through nervous system activation. SE has taught me to have a heightened attunement to my clients. I observe activation in the nervous system through both subtle and substantial movements, skin tone changes, breathing patterns, expression changes, etc. I also mirror back my observations to support my client’s awareness. It takes patience for people to allow themselves to slow down and attune to their internal world.

It’s important to understand that these trauma symptoms can and will disappear when trauma is healed. The symptoms of trauma are wake-up calls. If we try to avoid confronting painful experiences, there is no way to begin the healing process. I see my role as supporting my clients in cultivating the courage to look deeply, with clarity, into their own suffering. Each human being has the innate ability to move towards healing. I’ve witnessed clients’ transform their suffering and heal through regaining their vitality and potential to live more fully and on their terms.

“If you bring forth the which is within you, then that which is within you will be your salvation. If you do not bring further that which is within you, then that which is within you will destroy you.”          – The Gnostic Gospels