Leader Board Ad box

PTSD And Somatic Trauma Release Study Results

By Brenda Cooper


When it comes to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known by the acronym PTSD, there are different symptoms. In some cases, individuals freeze and lose the ability to function when being reminded of a trauma, in others individuals become overwhelmed with a number of emotions. In either case, there are alternative and holistic practices which can assist individuals suffering from PTSD, one of which is that of Somatic experiencing, also known as Somatic Trauma Release.

Sessions are often provided in person and involve tracking client experiences on an ongoing basis. Most often, practitioners are mental health professionals. Individuals working in this area often include clergy, chaplains, physical therapists, bodyworkers, physicians, nurses, psychotherapists, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and social workers.

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.

Resources in this area, while limited can often be anything which can assist the nervous system return to a regulated state. In some cases, showing an individual photographs or publications can work to guide clients back to a regulated state. After which, once the individual returns to a regulated state, bodily function can often return within a matter of minutes.

While re-regulating, the client will most likely go through a process which can include the ability to breathe easily again, unconscious movement, a warm sensation, tears or other responses which indicate the nervous system is returning to a baseline presence. The intention of re-regulation is intended to reinforce a client's inherent ability to self-regulate. After which, clients can more easily identify when in an unhealthy state of mind and automatically shift to a healthier one.

Developmental and shock trauma are similar though do share some differences. For example, shock trauma often stems from a single or ongoing traumatic event such as a car accident, hurricane, flood, earthquake or military event. Whereas, developmental trauma often includes birth defects, victims of physical or sexual abuse, childhood trauma and victims of personal, physical and social attacks.

Two separate and randomized studies of somatic experiencing as a PTSD treatment were completed and published in 2017. The results of both studies suggested positive results as an effective therapy method for PTSD. Whereas, the studies also concluded that in order to understand those whom will benefit most from the treatment, further research studies are the best way to do so.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment