Somatic therapy refers to work with the body. Often times, trauma disconnects this individual from their body (dissociation) or overwhelms the individual by flooding the body with cues of threat (hyperarousal). People who have experienced trauma often experience both states and may rely on addictive behaviors or substances to control their physical experience. Somatic therapies help individuals learn to inhabit their bodies in the present moment, creating a sense of safety and control. This could include changing your posture, noticing and releasing tension, practicing mindfulness or relaxation, or participating in yoga or fitness. Changing your emotion and even your thoughts is hard. Starting with your body helps you regain your power a little at a time.
Peter Levine explains somatic therapy.
More about trauma and yoga from Bessel van der Kolk.
“The single most important issue for traumatized people is to find a sense of safety in their own bodies” Bessel van der Kolk
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