Discovering Somatic Trauma Release For PTSD

By Dorothy Watson


Most often, individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder seek out help from a psychiatrist or psychologist. While this is the case, there are other programs which can be of assistance. In one case, Somatic Trauma Release is an approach which focuses primarily on healing the body in order to heal the mind.

The Somatic Experiencing method was created and developed by Dr. Peter A. Levine. While controversial in the beginning, the practice has proved successful over the years. In the process, a practitioner uses a series of momentary shocks and other healing techniques which have been discovered to be key elements in transforming and overcoming different aspects of trauma.

Levine participated in research programs in the 1970s which looked at anxiety in the animal world. The research led to the development of the method. Since that time, the method has repeatedly proved successful when dealing with overwhelmed nervous systems in humans. As a result, a number of neurologists and mental health providers are now using the method on a regular basis.

Dr. Levine founded the Somatic Experiencing Institute after receiving a doctorate in medical biophysics from the University of California at Berkeley. In addition, Levine also holds a doctorate in psychology and has worked in the field of trauma and stress for over forty years. While this is the case, the doctor is most well known for creating the Somatic Experiencing method.

In using the method, mental and physical health care providers assess blockages in the body when in fight or flight mode. In order to do so, a provider uses a number of different tools and techniques to help break through and release blockages. After which, most individuals tend to have an emotional response while letting go of all that which has been holding one back in life.

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 include a wide variety of emotions and events and can be brought on by birth defects, conflicts, phobias, physical or sexual assault, invasive medical procedures, accidents, neglect, natural disasters and war. When this is the case, the stressors can have a negative aspect on mental and physical health. Whereas, if individuals can learn to live life as it were before the event which created the trauma, many can return to happier and healthier lives.

Ultimately, the method works to help complete self-protective responses and release blocked instincts trapped inside the body. Whereas, as the method addresses the root cause of trauma, clients can often gain an increased tolerance level when dealing with bodily reactions and suppressed emotions. For, when an individual is healthy in body, mind and spirit, it can often be much easier to interact with others on a number of levels.




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